Plastics

Plastic refers to any of the numerous synthetic or natural organic materials that are mostly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight and that can be molded, extruded, or drawn into objects, films, or filaments. Plastic is the commonly used name for polymers, a chemical classification for compounds characterized by long-chain molecules.

 Their name is derived from the fact that in their semiliquid state they are malleable, or have the property of plasticity. Plastics are used in a growing range of applications in the construction industry. They have great versatility and combine excellent strength to weight ratio, durability, cost effectiveness, low maintenance and corrosion resistance which make plastics an economically attractive choice throughout the construction sector. Potentially, plastics have further uses as they do not rot, rust or need regular re-painting, they have strength with lack of weight, they are easily formable, and their light weight enables them to be easily transported and moved on site.

History and Development

Humans have used natural plastics such as horn and tortoise shell for thousands of years. The first man made plastic came in 1862, called pyroxylin, it was derived from cellulose, a very common natural polymer. The first truly synthetic plastic (Bakelite used for electrical equipment) was produced in 1909. The use of polyethylene by the Allies during World War 2 knocked 270kg off the weight of aircraft radar systems.

 The first major building plastic was a vinyl floor tile introduced in 1933 at an exhibition in Chicago. PVC window frames first appeared in Germany in the 1950s, and today PVC is by far the dominant plastic in building use.

Plastic Components
Resin - A sticky flammable organic substance, insoluble in water, exuded by some trees and other plants (notably fir and pine). The basic component of plastics. Fillers for durability and heat resistance

 Stabilizers are added to prevent degradation.

Plasticizers or dispersants are additives that increase the plasticity or flui dity of a material.

Physical Properties
Elasticity Friction Abrasion resistance Degradation under heat Softening point Electrical properties Chemical resistance Biological resistance Permeability

Kinds of Plastic
Polymers, commonly known as plastics, are divided into two major groups: Thermo plastics and Thermosets thermoplastics can be repeatedly softened and reformed (recyclable) and thermosetting plastics set permanently after polymerisation making plastics that tend to be durable and heat resistant.

Thermoplastics

ABS - Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (Butyrol based)

strong and rigid resistant to a variety of bases and acids some solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons may damage the material maximum usable temperature 160oF (71oC) common as DEV - Drainage, Waste and Vent pipes Used in plumbing and outdoor furniture

Acrylic
Acrylic plastic refers to a family of synthetic, or manmade, plastic materials containing one or more derivatives of acrylic acid. Clear plastics Hard surface Good weathering ability Used in skylights, safety glazing Acrylic plastic is not easily recycled. It is considered a group 7 plastic among recycled plastics and is not collected for recycling in most communities.

Acrylic skylight

Saftey glazing

Cellulosics
Rigid, transparent, tough (even at low temperatures) low electrostatic pick up, easily moulded and relatively low cost. Breakage resistance Spectacle frames, toothbrushes, tool handles, transparent wrapping, metallised parts (reflectors etc), pen barrels. Used in signages, table edgings, cellulouid films

Flouroplastics/ Teflon
Semi-rigid, translucent, exceptional low friction characteristics, superior chemical resistance, good weathering resistance and electrical properties Non-stick coating, gaskets, packings, bearings, high and low temperature electrical and medical applications, laboratory equipment, pump parts, thread seal tape. Highly chemical resistant Extremely heat-resistant

Fluoroplastic tubing eliminates static charges

Polyamides (Nylon)
Polyamides have good strength and toughness with excellent fatigue resistance. However, they are prone to absorb moisture Used for carpets, drawer glides, chairs Electrical insulation, corrosion resistance and toughness make nylon a good choice for high load parts in electrical applications as insulators, switch housings and the ubiquitous cable ties. Another major application is for power tool housings.

Nylon seats

Nylon carpets

Polyolefins
A polyolefin is a polymer produced from a simple olefin. Common polyolefins include all types of polyethylene and polypropylene. Flexible Polyolefins are typical used in film structures or food and industrial packaging. In construction, polyolefins are used in sealants, adhesives, wire insulation

Polyolefin-lined fittings

Polyolefin sealants

Polystyrenes
Hard, rigid, translucent Easy to process, disposable Applications: Yoghurt pots, refrigerator linings, vending cups, bathroom cabinets, toilet seats and tanks, closures, instrument control knobs.

Vinyls /Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC's major benefit is its compatibility with many different kinds of additives, making it a highly versatile polymer. Impact resistant Due to its very nature, PVC is widely used in many industries and provides very many popular and necessary products. Used in pipes, plumbing pipes, window blinds, floor coverings, upholstery Primary environmental concerns during manufacture are release of hazardous materials into the environment, and health of production workers. Many common plastics like PVC rely on hazardous constituents.

Vinyl window blinds

PVC pipe ends

PVC Pipes

PVC Pipes

Recent Developments
bio-plastics - It is the very complexity of plastics which gives rise to their most troubling environmental impacts. The inability of organisms to break down plastics contributes to durability, but it also results in the persistence of these materials in landfills, and even in living systems. ETFE

 ETFE stands for Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene, a transparent polymer that is used instead of glass and plastic in some modern buildings. Compared to glass, ETFE: Transmits more light Insulates better Costs 24% to 70% less to install Is only 1/100 the weight of glass often called a miracle construction material because:ETFE is strong enough to bear 400 times its own weight can be stretched to three times its length without loss of elasticity can be repaired by welding patches over tears has a nonstick surface that resists dirt expected to last as long as 50 years Disadvantages: ETFE transmits more sound than glass, and can be too noisy for some places Working with ETFE is too complex for small residential projects

Beijing Water Cube

The Eden Project

Sources:
http://www.greenbuildingpress.co.uk/archive/plastics. php http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/physicalproperties-thermoplastics-d_808.html http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=506 http://www.bpf.co.uk/Innovation/Construction.aspx http://www.plasticsindustry.org/AboutPlastics/content .cfm?ItemNumber=634&navItemNumber=1118 http://architecture.about.com/od/construction/g/ETFE .htm