What is the difference between thermoplastic and rubber?

Thermoplastics are a type of plastic that become moldable upon heating and solidify upon cooling, allowing them to be reshaped and recycled. In contrast, rubber is an elastic material that can undergo significant deformation and return to its original shape, often used for its flexibility and resilience. While thermoplastics typically have a rigid structure, rubber's properties make it suitable for applications requiring stretch and shock absorption. Additionally, thermoplastics can be more easily processed and manufactured compared to rubber.