Researching plastics:

When we did our theory of plastics, we learned about certain plastics and which group they belong to. As well as what the group means.

Thermoplastics: These plastics have no links between the molecule rows and therefore can be heated to soften and leaving you able to reshape the plastic and when cooled, be a new shape. However, when heated again, it can be reshaped once more. These plastics are mainly used because they can be recycled and allow us to use less oil in order to make it. Although be it recyclable, there are some cases in which it is not. This can be with situations of them being bent into complex forms, where you cannot reshape them.

There are many thermoplastics, such as:
ABS, HIPS, PS, PP, LDIP, HDIP and many others.

There are also some thermosetting plastics, which have links between all the molecules, which disallows reshaping after being shaped once.

There are some thermosetting plastics such as:
Epoxy, Melamine, Polyester and Urea.

Some plastics may have their properties improved by:
Fillers - These bulk the material to reduce the cost, some may add strength and remove brittleness.
Flame retardants - Reduces risk of combustion.
Anti-static agents - Reduces static charge effects that build up in a product, these can be used in synthetic charges.
Plasticisers - Supports materials to make them impermiable, also makes them less brittle and allow them to flow easier.
Stabilisiers - Reduces effects of UV light, makes plastic more resistant to breaking down and used for sun-exposed applications.