A thermoplastic, or thermosoftening plastic, is a
plastic polymer material that becomes pliable or
moldable at a certain elevated temperature and
solidifies upon cooling.
Thermosetting substances can be melted and
formed into shapes that become hard and cannot
be melted again.
An elastomer is a polymer with viscoelasticity (i.e.,
both viscosity and elasticity) and very weak
intermolecular forces, and generally low Young's
modulus and high failure strain compared with
other materials.
Thermoplastics may be reshaped and are typically used to
produce parts by various polymer processing techniques such
as injection molding, compression molding, calendering, and
extrusion
A polymer-based liquid or powder that becomes solid
when heated, placed under pressure, treated with a
chemical or via radiation.
Elastomers are amorphous polymers maintained above
their glass transition temperature, so that considerable
molecular reconformation, without breaking of covalent
bonds.