Which of the following characteristics is true for thermoplastic polymers?

Thermoplastic polymers are characterized by their ability to be reshaped and remolded with the application of heat. This property stems from their linear or branched structure, which allows the polymer chains to slide past one another when heated. As a result, thermoplastics can be melted and reformed, making them versatile for various manufacturing processes such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming.

In contrast to thermosetting plastics, which have a cross-linked structure and cannot be reshaped once cured, thermoplastics are favored in applications where recyclability and process adaptability are important. This ability to reshape with heat opens up numerous possibilities for design and customization in engineering applications, making thermoplastics widely used in consumer products, automotive components, and packaging materials.

The other characteristics mentioned are not accurate for thermoplastic polymers: they do not possess a network structure; they can be flexible rather than more brittle; and while some thermoplastics can absorb moisture, this is not a defining characteristic of the group.