Editing Welding (section)

===Plastic welding===
{{main|Plastic welding}}

Plastics are generally divided into two categories, which are "thermosets" and "thermoplastics." A [[thermoset]] is a plastic in which a chemical reaction sets the molecular bonds after first forming the plastic, and then the bonds cannot be broken again without degrading the plastic. Thermosets cannot be melted, therefore, once a thermoset has set it is impossible to weld it. Examples of thermosets include [[epoxy|epoxies]], [[silicone]], [[vulcanized rubber]], [[polyester]], and [[polyurethane]].

[[Thermoplastic]]s, by contrast, form long molecular chains, which are often coiled or intertwined, forming an amorphous structure without any long-range, crystalline order. Some thermoplastics may be fully amorphous, while others have a partially crystalline/partially amorphous structure. Both amorphous and semicrystalline thermoplastics have a glass transition, above which welding can occur, but semicrystallines also have a specific melting point which is above the glass transition. Above this melting point, the viscous liquid will become a free-flowing liquid (see [[rheological weldability]] for [[thermoplastics]]). Examples of thermoplastics include [[polyethylene]], [[polypropylene]], [[polystyrene]], [[polyvinylchloride]] (PVC), and fluoroplastics like [[Teflon]] and [[Spectralon]].

Welding thermoplastic with heat is very similar to welding glass. The plastic first must be cleaned and then heated through the glass transition, turning the weld-interface into a thick, viscous liquid. Two heated interfaces can then be pressed together, allowing the molecules to mix through intermolecular diffusion, joining them as one. Then the plastic is cooled through the glass transition, allowing the weld to solidify. A filler rod may often be used for certain types of joints. The main differences between welding glass and plastic are the types of heating methods, the much lower melting temperatures, and the fact that plastics will burn if overheated. Many different methods have been devised for heating plastic to a weldable temperature without burning it. Ovens or electric heating tools can be used to melt the plastic. Ultrasonic, laser, or friction heating are other methods. Resistive metals may be implanted in the plastic, which respond to induction heating. Some plastics will begin to burn at temperatures lower than their glass transition, so welding can be performed by blowing a heated, inert gas onto the plastic, melting it while, at the same time, shielding it from oxygen.<ref>''Plastics and Composites: Welding Handbook'' By David A. Grewell, A. Benatar, Joon Bu Park – Hanser Gardener 2003</ref>

====Solvent welding====
{{main|Solvent welding}}
Many thermoplastics can also be welded using chemical [[solvent]]s. When placed in contact with the plastic, the solvent will begin to soften it, bringing the surface into a thick, liquid solution. When two melted surfaces are pressed together, the molecules in the solution mix, joining them as one. Because the solvent can permeate the plastic, the solvent evaporates out through the surface of the plastic, causing the weld to drop out of solution and solidify. A common use for solvent welding is for joining PVC ([[polyvinyl chloride]]) or ABS ([[acrylonitrile butadiene styrene]]) pipes during [[plumbing]], or for welding [[styrene]] and polystyrene plastics in the construction of [[physical model|models]]. Solvent welding is especially effective on plastics like PVC which burn at or below their glass transition, but may be ineffective on plastics like Teflon or polyethylene that are resistant to [[chemical decomposition]].<ref>''Handbook of Plastics Joining: A Practical Guide'' By Plastics Design Library – PDL 1997 Page 137, 146</ref>