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GCSE DT RevisionThermoplastics and Thermosetting Polymers
Key facts
Thermoplastics — soften when heated, recyclable
- Acrylic (PMMA) — clear, rigid, weather resistant. Signs, displays, bath panels, cycle helmets.
- HDPE — tough, chemical resistant, food safe. Bottles, containers, pipes, crates.
- Polypropylene (PP) — flexible living hinge, heat resistant, food safe. Food containers, chairs.
- PET — strong, clear, widely recycled. Drinks bottles.
- PVC — rigid (window frames) or flexible (cable insulation, clothing).
- Polystyrene — rigid or foam form. Packaging trays, disposable cups. (HIPS = toughened version.)
- Nylon (polyamide) — tough, self-lubricating, wear resistant. Gears, bearings, clothing, cable ties.
Thermosetting polymers — set permanently, cannot remelt
- Epoxy resin — very strong adhesive, used in composites, circuit boards.
- Melamine formaldehyde — hard, scratch and heat resistant. Kitchen worktops, crockery.
- Urea formaldehyde — hard, white. Electrical fittings, toilet seats.
- Polyester resin — used with glass fibre (GRP). Boat hulls, car body panels.
- Key difference: thermoplastics have weak intermolecular forces → can be reheated. Thermosets form permanent cross-links → cannot.
Exam questions — 3 questions · 9 marks · real AQA 8552 past papers
Extended questions included — read the hint. AI marks against the AQA 8552 mark scheme.
1 markThermoplastic definitionAQA 8552 Jun 2024 Q7
Which statement correctly describes a thermoplastic?
A A material that sets permanently when heated and cannot be reshaped
B A material that softens when heated to a specific temperature, can be reshaped, and hardens again on cooling — this process can be repeated
C A material that becomes stronger each time it is heated
D A material that can only be shaped by chemical reaction, not by heat
1 markOutdoor sign materialAQA 8552 style
A designer needs a clear, rigid material for an outdoor display sign. Which polymer is most suitable?
A Polystyrene
B Acrylic (PMMA)
C Urea formaldehyde
D Polypropylene
2 marksHDPE for cleaning bottlesAQA 8552 Jun 2022 Q12 style
Give two reasons why HDPE is suitable for household cleaning product bottles. (2 marks — 1 mark each)
Hint: Property + why it matters for this specific product. Two different properties for two marks.
+20 XP
3 marksCompare thermoplastic and thermosetAQA 8552 style
Explain the key difference between thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers in terms of molecular structure and recyclability. (3 marks)
Hint: Thermoplastics: weak forces → reheat → reshape → recyclable. Thermosets: cross-links form → permanent → cannot remelt.
+30 XP
Module complete!
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