What type of materials are referred to as polymers?

Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating structural units, known as monomers, which are bonded together in long chains. The correct answer points to thermoset and thermoplastics, which are two primary categories of polymers.

Thermosetting plastics are polymers that set into a permanent shape when heated and cannot be remolded or reheated after they have cured. Examples include epoxy and phenolic resins, which find applications in adhesives and electrical insulation due to their durability and heat resistance.

Conversely, thermoplastics are polymers that can be melted and reformed multiple times without significant degradation. Common thermoplastics such as polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are used in a variety of applications, from packaging to construction materials, because of their versatility and ease of processing.

Both thermoset and thermoplastics are integral to modern engineering and manufacturing processes, making the identifier of these materials as polymers crucial for anyone studying material science or design engineering.