Which of the following statements identifies a thermoplastic material?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements identifies a thermoplastic material?

Explanation:
Thermoplastics are polymers that soften when heated and can be reshaped repeatedly because their chains aren’t permanently crosslinked. Thermosetting polymers, once cured, form a rigid network that does not melt on reheating. Polyethylene fits the thermoplastic description: it softens with heat, can be remolded, and solidifies into a new shape when cooled. The other materials—epoxy, phenolic, and Bakelite—are thermosets; after curing they form a crosslinked structure that won’t melt with heating, remaining hard and permanently set.

Thermoplastics are polymers that soften when heated and can be reshaped repeatedly because their chains aren’t permanently crosslinked. Thermosetting polymers, once cured, form a rigid network that does not melt on reheating.

Polyethylene fits the thermoplastic description: it softens with heat, can be remolded, and solidifies into a new shape when cooled. The other materials—epoxy, phenolic, and Bakelite—are thermosets; after curing they form a crosslinked structure that won’t melt with heating, remaining hard and permanently set.

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