Design and Technology A-Level
Thermoplastic
What Thermoplastic means in Design and Technology A-Level, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Thermoplastic
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
A type of polymer that becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidifies upon cooling. It can be repeatedly reheated and reshaped.
A type of polymer that can be repeatedly heated, softened, reshaped, and cooled to harden. They have weak secondary bonds between polymer chains.
A polymer that becomes pliable or mouldable above a specific temperature and solidifies upon cooling. Can be repeatedly reheated and reshaped.
A polymer that becomes pliable or mouldable above a specific temperature and solidifies upon cooling. This process can be repeated.
A polymer that can be repeatedly heated, softened, and reshaped without undergoing a chemical change.
A polymer that can be repeatedly heated, softened, and reshaped.
Topics that use Thermoplastic
- Part 2: Designing a prototype (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Part 3: Making a final prototype (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 1: Materials (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 10: Current legislation (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 12: Further processes and techniques (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 3: Processes and techniques (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
- Composite
- Malleability
- Performance Characteristics
- Smart Material
- Thermosetting Polymer
- Alloy
- Ductility
- Ferrous Metal
Using Thermoplastic in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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