Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

name         Angela L.
status       student
age          17

Question -   Only thermoplastic materials can be recycled. Why are
thermosetting materials unable to be recycled in the same way?
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Angela,

The chemical bonds that connect the various sub-unit molecules in
thermosetting materials are rather strong. As a result, such plastic will not
melt. Rather, when heated it decomposes. Also, thermosetting materials
(because of the bond-strength) and size of the polymeric matrix are
insoluble in almost everything. If the material cannot be easily melted and
it will not dissolve -- both processes lending themselves to re-casting -- the
plastic cannot be recycled.

Regards,
ProfHoff 428
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