Thermoplastics
These are the kind of plastics which can withstand high temperatures. They can be melted and returned to their original state quite easily just like an ice cube can be melted and frozen again. Thermoplastics are produced in two steps. In the first step small pellets are formed and in the second step, those pellets are heated to form all sorts of industrial and consumer products. They include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polycarbonate, polystyrene and others.
Thermosets
These are usually produced and immediately formed into products at the same time but can not be returned into their original state again. These are heated and set into a shape once and afterward, couldn’t be taken back to their original state like in the case of thermoplastics. Thermosets are like eggs which once cooked can not be changed to raw form. They include acrylics, melamine, polyurethanes, silicone, vulcanized rubber, epoxies and others.
Plastic fibers
These are plastics which have been made into filaments or fibers and are used to make fabrics, ropes, strings, cables, body armor and optical fibers. These fibers are quite stretchable and withstand heat. These include nylon, rayon, polyester, acrylic, and spandex.
