Plastics are divided into two main types

 1- Thermoset plastics      2-   Thermoplastics  

1- Thermoset Plastics  

This type of plastic is characterized by the fact that it maintains its shape immediately after cooling and the shape of the piece can never change.

This type of plastic can be used in the manufacture of auto parts, aircraft parts, and tires.

Examples include polyurethanes, polyesters, epoxy resins, and phenolic resins.

2- Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics, unlike thermoset plastics, are less rigid and can change shape upon heating and then return to their original shape after cooling

Examples of thermoplastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

In addition to the two basic categories mentioned above, there are many types that fall under these two categories and each has its own use