Plastic is a term that has become pretty commonplace in today’s society. Most people come in contact with some type of plastic daily. Although we interact with plastic frequently, not many of us know what it is or how we make them. Most people don’t even realize different types of plastic that we use for different things. Thermoplastic is one of those plastic categories that can be used to great effect. Today we look at what thermoplastic is and what advantages it may have.
A Quick Definition of Thermoplastic
Without getting too in-depth, a thermoplastic is a kind of polymer that can be molded when heat is administered. Essentially, it is a type of plastic that you can manipulate into any shape. Thermoplastic is also more easily recyclable due to its interaction with heat. Because of these features, companies use thermoplastic a lot in plumbing and mechanical products. At Real Seal, we distribute O-rings using this type of polymer.
What Is a Polymer?
Now that you understand the uses of thermoplastic, it’s time to understand what comprises it. “Polymer” is a term used to indicate both organic and synthetic products that are composed of monomers. Monomers are molecules that typically bond to other molecules. When monomers are repeatedly linked together, they make up branches and chains that are classified as a polymer. Essentially, it is a product that has a bunch of molecules connected together.
Our body is full of polymers, and the same concept is used in the production of products like plastic and nylon. What makes the polymers that form a thermoplastic unique is that they are weakly bonded so that it is easier to manipulate. This weak bond creates a reusable and moldable product. The only real drawback of this weak bond is that heat easily affects it. While this is good for the molding process, it is not good for the application. If you are to use thermoplastics in a high heat environment, they will become weak and pliable.
Why Should You Use Thermoplastics?
One of the main reasons to use thermoplastics is their high rate of recyclability. The chemical property of thermoplastics does not degrade even after many times of heating and cooling. This means that you can reuse thermoplastics in a new environment when needed, even someone molded them before. Another big reason to use thermoplastics is that they do not corrode or rust like steel. This is why it is a great alternative for pipes.
Disadvantages
The biggest downfall of steel pipes is their susceptibility to rust and corrosion. Utilizing thermoplastic pipes in homes and office buildings is a great way to lower costs for maintenance and replacement. In fact, it doesn’t just resist corrosion, but it has electrical insulation as well. This means that it will not allow electrical currents to flow through it easily. And it is safe to use in many areas. If rust and electricity resistance wasn’t enough, they are also resistant to humidity changes. Harsh environments can be a problem for a lot of materials, but thermoplastic is tough.
Full of Usages
Thermoplastics are also great for custom jobs because they are so easily moldable. The fact that you can create almost anything you need makes this a go-to product for many industries. Finally, the weight is a huge strength in favor of using thermoplastic over other products. Ultimately, this material’s versatility makes it a jack-of-all-trades for many industries and tons of unique applications. The only major downside to using it is its limited service temperature performance. For all its strengths, you still have to be careful of the temperature fluctuation where you use it.
