A thermoplastic, or them softening plastic, is a plastic polymer material that becomes pliable or moldable at a certain elevated temperature and solidifies upon cooling.
Properties of thermoplastic materials are:
It may melt before passing to a gaseous state.
Allow plastic deformation when it is heated.
They are soluble in certain solvents.
Swell in the presence of certain solvents. Good resistance to creep.
Examples and applications of thermoplastic plastic materials:
PVC or polyvinyl chloride for the manufacture of insulation materials, pipes, containers, etc.
Polystyrene applied for electrical insulation, handles of tools.
High-pressure polyethylene as applied to rigid material covered with electrical machines, tubes, etc.