Outline why polypropylene (PP) is used as a material for a cell/mobile phone case.

Describe the difference between a thermoplastic and a thermosetting plastic.

ability to be moulded;
into the shape of the case;

toughness;
ability to withstand impact/protects the mobile phone if dropped;

lightweight;
has little effect on the overall weight (of the phone);

elasticity;
ease of putting the case on and off the mobile phone;

recyclability;
as it is a thermoplastic;

available in a range of colours/textures/styles;
to provide customer choice;

low cost;
making it affordable/easy to replace;

mass production;
making suitable for economies of scale;

Award [1] for identifying why polypropylene (PP) would be used as a material for a cell/mobile phone case and [1] for a brief explanation up to [2 max].

Do not award marks across different clusters.

a thermoplastic has weak secondary bonds/can be heated and shaped repeatedly/can be recycled/cannot withstand high temperatures;

a thermosetting plastic has strong secondary bonds/can be shaped only once/cannot be recycled/can withstand high temperatures;

Award [1] for a definition of a thermoplastic and [1] for a definition of a thermosetting plastic up to [2 max].

Again, a number of cross cluster responses in an accessible question that gave candidates numerous opportunities to achieve 1-2 marks. Many candidates wrote 2 correct points, sometimes more, but not always in a corresponding cluster.

Most candidates knew the difference between thermo and thermoset plastics, but many incorrectly described the process of heating as 'melting'. Most candidates achieved 1-2 marks.