What distinguishes convertible coatings from thermoplastic materials?

Convertible coatings are characterized by undergoing a chemical change during the curing process that irreversibly transforms their structure, preventing them from returning to their original state. This chemical change results in a hard and durable finish that cannot be remolded or reshaped once fully cured, which is a key distinction from thermoplastic materials.

In contrast, thermoplastic materials can be repeatedly melted and remolded due to their physical instead of chemical changes; they do not undergo a permanent transformation. This property allows thermoplastics to be reshaped multiple times without significant degradation of their material properties.

The traits mentioned in the other options do not accurately describe convertible coatings. They are not defined as water-soluble, and while some may be single-component, this is not a defining characteristic of convertible coatings as they can also exist in multi-component systems.