Question

Explain why the following are made of thermosetting plastics.
A.Saucepan handles
B.Electric plug , switches , plug boards.

Answer 1

Thermosetting plastics are those plastics in which polymers are cross-linked or heavily branched molecules, which on heating undergo extensive cross-linking of different polymer chains to give a three- dimensional network solid and again become infusible. These are good conductors of heat and electricity. Examples of this include Bakelite, urea formaldehyde resin etc. Bakelite is formed by a combination of phenol and formaldehyde.

Complete step by step answer:
Thermosetting plastic is used to make
Saucepan handle:- this type of plastic is a bad conductor of heat. While cooking the handles of utensils will become hot if they are not made up of this kind of plastic. The people will get harm when they touch the handle. So handles of utensils are made up of this kind of plastic. This type of plastic does not get deform and does not show bend. While heating during cooking these plastics do not melt. Hence these are best to use in handles of utensils.
B.Electric plug , switches , plug boards:- they are made up of Bakelite and it is an example of thermosetting plastic. These plastics are a bad conductor of electricity so prevent the user from getting electric shock. Hence these plastics are best to use to make electric switches.

Note:
These types of plastic are bad conductors of heat and electricity. On heating they remain as solid and do not get deform. They are used for making electric switches , combs , handles of utensils and computer discs. Bakelite which is a polymer of phenol and formaldehyde is commonly used for thermosetting plastics.