What is a characteristic of thermoplastics?

A characteristic of thermoplastics is that they become soft when heated and hard when cooled. This property allows thermoplastics to be easily molded and reshaped when heat is applied, making them versatile materials used in a variety of applications. When thermoplastics are cooled, they solidify, maintaining the shape they were formed into until they are reheated. This process can be repeated multiple times, which is a key feature of thermoplastics that distinguishes them from thermosetting plastics, which do not soften upon reheating.

The ability to soften upon heating contributes to the manufacturing process of products made from thermoplastics, further enhancing their use in industries ranging from automotive to packaging. This property also allows for easy recycling, contrary to the notion that they cannot be recycled. Recycling thermoplastics is possible because they can be reprocessed into new items by melting them down, allowing for reduced waste and environmental impact.