The majority of plastics are thermoplastic, meaning that once the plastic is formed it can be heated and reformed repeatedly. This property allows for easy processing and facilitates recycling. The other group, the thermosets, can not be remelted. Once these plastics are formed, reheating will cause the material to decompose rather than melt. Each plastic has very distinct characteristics, but most plastics have the following general attributes.
Plastics can be very resistant to chemicals.
Consider all the cleaning fluids in your home that are packaged in plastic. The warning labels describing what happens when the chemical comes into contact with skin or eyes or is ingested, emphasizes the chemical resistance of these materials. Plastics can be both thermal and electrical insulators. A walk through your house will reinforce this concept. Consider all the electrical appliances, cords, outlets and wiring that are made or covered with plastics.