• THERMOPLASTICS & THERMOSETTING PLASTICS

UNIT 14 – SYNTHETIC FIBERS & PLASTICS – PART 5

 

  • On the other hand, there are some plastics which when moulded once, cannot be softened by heating. These are called thermosetting plastics. Two examples are BAKELITE AND MELAMINE. Bakelite is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. It is used for making electrical switches, handles of various utensils, etc. MELAMINE is a versatile material. It resists fire and can tolerate heat better than other plastics. It is used for making FLOOR TILES, KITCHENWARE AND FABRICS which resist fire.

 

 

 

  • Today if we think of storing a FOOD ITEM, WATER, MILK, PICKLES, DRY FOOD,, plastic containers seem most convenient. This is because of their light weight, lower price, good strength and easy handling. Being lighter as compared to metals, PLASTICS are used in CARS, AIRCRAFTS AND SPACECRAFTS, too.

 

  • We know that metals like iron get rusted when left exposed to moisture and air. But plastics do not react with water and air. They are not corroded easily. That is why they are used to store various kinds of material, including many chemicals.

 

  • Plastics find extensive use in the HEALTH-CARE INDUSTRY. Some examples of their use are the Packaging of Tablets, threads used for Stitching Wounds, Syringes, Doctors’ Gloves, and a number of medical instruments.

 

 

  • Special plastic cookware is used in microwave ovens for cooking food. In microwave ovens, the heat cooks the food but does not affect the plastic vessel.
  • TEFLON is a special plastic on which oil and water do not stick. It is used for nonstick coating on cookware’s.

 

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