Which material melts and drips when exposed to high temperatures?

Thermoplastic materials are designed to become pliable or moldable above a specific temperature. When exposed to high temperatures, these materials begin to melt and can drip as they transition from a solid state to a liquid state. This characteristic is due to their molecular structure, which allows them to soften upon heating, making them useful in various applications where flexibility and formability are required.

In contrast, mineral salts typically do not exhibit melting and dripping behavior in the same way as thermoplastics, as they often require significantly higher temperatures to change their state. Steel, being a metal, has a high melting point and does not melt and drip at lower temperatures; instead, it becomes malleable and eventually melts at elevated temperatures. Gypsum board, primarily used in construction, also does not melt but can degrade and lose structural integrity when exposed to high heat. This clarity emphasizes why thermoplastic materials stand out in their response to high temperatures.