Thermoplastics

Thermosets

Soften upon heat and pressure

Decompose upon heating

Hence, can be repaired

Difficult to repair

High strains are required for failure

Low strains are required for failure

Can be re-processed

Can not be re-processed

Indefinite shelf life

Limited shelf life

Short curing cycles

Long curing cycles

Non tacky and easy to handle

Tacky and therefore, difficult to handle

Excellent resistance to solvents

Fair resistance to solvents

Higher processing temperature is required. Hence, viscosities make the processing difficult.

Lower processing temperature is required.