Do you have questions about what is thermoplastic and the main characteristics of this material? Then, know that this resin is used in the industrial production of several types of plastics, which means that it can be part of people’s daily lives in the most varied forms.
This is because the thermoplastic resin has different options. After all, what is thermoplastic polymer and the advantages of this material? These answers are here in this content. Keep following us to improve your knowledge of the polymeric sector!
What is thermoplastic?
First, you need to know what does thermoplastic mean. Thus, the thermoplastic is an artificial polymer, which can be remolded when subjected to high temperatures. In practice, this happens through blowing, injection, extrusion, rotational molding plates, profiles and films.
We talked more about this topic here. Furthermore, when the final product is exposed to the right solvents, the material is solubilized again, which makes this process can be repeated several times. It is for this reason that thermoplastics are able to return to the solid condition, without major changes in their initial particularities.
This technique is used in the manufacture of toys, automotive parts, hygiene products, food packaging and much more. As all these things are very present in people’s daily lives, it is essential to have companies that are concerned with the quality of these objects.
History of thermoplastic
Having understood what thermoplastic resins are, the question that remains is: what is thermoplastic used for? The first uses occurred in the 19th century, in 1838, when Victor Regnault discovered the polymerization of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by means of sunlight.
But it does not stop there, since, years later, Alexander Parkes invented the celluloid, a material that would replace ivory in dental offices and in the film industry. The thermoplastic resin was also widely used in the production of vinyl records in the early 20th century.
Thermoplastic in industry
Once you understand what is thermoplastic, and what is thermoplastic made of, you should know that it is essential in the national and global industry. This happens due to the versatility and ease during the manufacturing and recycling process, replacing the use of materials such as metals and glass.
It is also important to pay attention to the different examples of thermoplastic polymers, since each of it has its own characteristics. To ensure a good performance in the final product, it is essential to know what is thermoplastic material, as well as the different versions of this resin.
This care helps the buyer to choose the right raw material to achieve the purpose he wants. Among the main examples of thermoplastic resins, we have the following materials:
- random polypropylene: a highly resistant resin, indicated for purposes that need transparency and chemical resistance;
- homopolymer polypropylene: a material with high-resistance to heat and chemistry, ideal for plastic molding procedures, such as extrusion, injection and thermoforming;
- high-density polyethylene: this raw material has low viscosity and good chemical resistance, which makes it a great option for the manufacture of cables, bags, toys and industrial pallets.
Where to buy thermoplastic materials?
Understanding what is a thermoplastic is essential to make conscious choices when acquiring the ideal raw material for your work sector. Polyexcel, for example, is the perfect place for those seeking polymeric compounds for the power and telecommunications wire and cable industry.
For almost 10 years on the market, we are always looking for innovative research that improves the quality and safety of our products. Therefore, we have a laboratory full of unique technological equipment throughout Brazil.
For your company to use our compounds in the best possible way, we have an after-sales service. There, we clarify all doubts regarding the characteristics and applications of the acquired compound.
Count on Polyexcel solutions!
On the Polyexcel blog, besides discovering what is thermoplastic, you can find detailed information about thermosets and types of polymer processing. In order not to miss any news, you can also follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!