What term describes a plastic resin that can be heated and reformed multiple times without degrading?

The correct term for a plastic resin that can be heated and reformed multiple times without degrading is thermoplastic. Thermoplastics have a unique molecular structure that allows them to soften when heated and solidify when cooled, making them versatile for various applications. This property enables manufacturers to reshape thermoplastics repeatedly without compromising their integrity, which is a significant advantage in processes like molding and recycling.

The other terms refer to different types of materials. Thermosetting plastics, for instance, are designed to set into a permanent shape when heated and cannot be reshaped upon cooling, which is contrary to the behavior of thermoplastics. Composites refer to materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties, resulting in a material with characteristics different from the individual components, but they don’t specifically address the ability to be reformed with heat. Biodegradable plastics are designed to decompose over time by natural processes, but this doesn’t relate to the ability to be heated and reformed multiple times.