2010 – 10 – Characteristics of Plastics

Plastics are another commonly used material. Unlike the majority of metals, plastics don’t weigh very much. They are resistant to chemical corrosion and can be many different colors. Plastics are not conductive. Plastics are divided into three groups :

– Thermoplastics can be softened and hardened many times.

– Thermosetting plastics can only be hardened one time.

– Elastomers stretch and return to their shape.

Not many plastics will have strength comparable with steel. But, because they are flexible and easily shaped, plastics are used in manufacturing in a lot of ways.