Understanding Thermoplastics: How They Work and Why We Need Them
IPS Flow Systems
With decades of experience, we are the premier supplier of quality pipes, valves, and fittings in the UK and Ireland.
Thermoplastics represent a transformative material class reshaping industries worldwide due to their recyclability, versatility, and high performance. Unlike thermosetting plastics, which become irreversibly solid upon heating, thermoplastics remain malleable and reshapeable with heat. This quality makes them ideal for a wide range of applications, from consumer goods to high-tech industrial products.
Below is a helpful illustration courtesty of Cadence :
How Do Thermoplastics Work?
Thermoplastics consist of long-chain polymer molecules held together through weak intermolecular forces such as van der Waals forces or hydrogen bonds. When heated, these weak bonds break, allowing the polymer chains to flow freely and the material to become flexible. Upon cooling, the bonds reform, solidifying the material back into a strong, durable state. This reversible process provides the basis for the high recyclability and adaptability of thermoplastics. As TWI explains:
A thermoplastic is a class of polymer that can be softened through heating and then processed using methods such as extrusion, injection moulding, thermoforming and blow moulding. Thermoplastics harden once cooled and do not show any changes in chemical property after being heated and cooled multiple times, making them easily recyclable.
Once again, Cadence offers a detailed look at what these properties really mean when compared to thermosets:
Key Types of Thermoplastics
See below for an illustrative view of thermoplastic production from Statista .
Why Thermoplastics Are Sustainable
Thermoplastics offer multiple sustainable benefits, a fact that CDI Products summarises particularly well:
High-quality thermoplastic polymers enable producers to develop the durable, long-lasting, and environmentally responsible products that the world needs.
In effect, thermoplastics offer unique properties, all of which boast the following advantages:
Importance of Thermoplastics in Pipes, Valves, and Fittings
Thermoplastics are crucial in the piping industry, particularly for valves and fittings. As Modern Pumping Today explains, metal valves just cannot perform in the same manner as thermoplastics under certain external pressures:
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Over the last decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the application of thermoplastic valves and piping systems in areas where metal valves and piping were thought to be the only solution. Even the most corrosion resistant metals are still susceptible to galvanic and electrolytic corrosion, resulting in scale build-up, which reduces flow rates and increases pressure drop.
The use of thermoplastics has enabled the longevity of infrastructure and has facillitated a wider and more efficient use of quality pipes and valves in comparison to metal counterparts. Modern Pumping Today continues to explain that
thermoplastics are more efficient than metals, especially in operational efficiencies including chemical inertness, resistance to permeation and impurity absorption, abrasion and freeze resistance—and because of their lightness in weight, good maneuverability, and compact size, they are also easier to install than metals.
It is clear, therefore, that the advantages of thermoplastic pipes and valves are legion. Take a look:
Thermoplastics Across Sectors
By now you'll have realised that thermoplastics have a broad application across sectors due to their adaptability, resilience, and performance. The follow includes just a few of these sectors:
The use of thermoplastics across various industries is increasing exponentially given the properties and sustsainability of the product. In fact, Maximize Market Research Pvt Ltd forecasts the following:
IPS Flow Systems: Your Trusted Partner in Thermoplastic Solutions
Don't get left behind. As the leading stockist of thermoplastic pipes, valves, and fittings across the UK and Ireland, IPS Flow Systems provides unparalleled quality and service. Our extensive inventory ensures that customers receive tailored solutions for their specific needs, whilst our commitment to sustainability aligns with initiatives promoted by the UK government and leading organisations, thereby supporting customers in achieving their sustainability goals. We offer next-day delivery and take immense pride in seeing our customers' projects succeed.
Contact Us Today!
To learn more about how thermoplastic piping, valves, and fittings can benefit your business, contact IPS Flow Systems today. Our experts will guide you to the ideal solution, ensuring reliable, efficient, and sustainable operations., and let's build a resilient future together.