PLASTIC AND SYNTHETIC MATERIALS

PLASTIC

A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that

are moldable. Plastics are typically organic

polymers of high molecular mass, but they often

contain other substances. They are usually

synthetic, most commonly derived

from petrochemicals, but many are partially

natural

The following table illustrates the most common types and usage of plastics, their applications and the symbol which is often used to identify them on forms of plastic packaging.

Polymer

Types

Examples of

applications/usages

Symbols

Polyethylene

Terephthalate

Fizzy drink and water bottles. Salad trays.

High Density

Polyethylene

Milk bottles, bleach, cleaners and most

shampoo bottles.

Polyvinyl

Chloride

Plumbing pipes and guttering, shower

curtains, window frames, flooring.

Low Density

Polyethylene

Carrier bags, BIN LINERS and

packaging films.

Polymer

Types

Examples of

applications/usages

Symbols

Polypropylene

Margarine tubs, microwaveable meal trays, also produced as fibres and filaments for carpets, wall coverings and vehicle

upholstery.

Polystyrene

Yoghurt pots, foam hamburger boxes and egg cartons, Plastic cutlery, protective

packaging for electronic goods and toys. Insulating material in the building

and construction industry.

Unallocated

References

Any other plastics that do not fall into any of the above categories - for example polycarbonate which is often used in

glazing for the aircraft industry

PROPERTIES OF PLASTIC AND SYNTHETIC MATERIALS

Plastics have properties that make ideal building materials. Some of these properties are:

Plastics are strong yet lightweight, and so they are

easy to transport & manoeuvre.

They are durable, knock-and scratch resistant with excellent weatherability.

They do not rot or corrode.

PROPERTIES OF PLASTIC AND SYNTHETIC MATERIALS

Plastics are easy to install; many have a snap-fit kind of jointing procedures.

Plastics offer limitless possibilities in design achieved by extrusion, bending, moulding etc.

They can be given any range of colours by adding pigments.

The plastics are low conductors of heat and thus are used as insulation materials in green building concepts

PROPERTIES OF PLASTIC AND SYNTHETIC MATERIALS

The plastics products can achieve tight seals.

They can be sawn and nailed employing standard carpentry tools and skills.

They can be easily removed and recycled.

They are bad conductors of electricity.

PLASTIC PRODUCTS

Pipes : Electrical Conduits, Rain Water &

Sewage pipes, Plumbing, Gas

Distributions.

Cables : PVC Insulation on cables,

Insulation Tapes.

Floorings : Flooring tiles & Rolls .

PLASTIC PRODUCTS

Domes / : Opaque as well as transparent.

sky lights

Roofing : Coloured or Double skinned for

insulation.

Windows : Extruded sections for Door and

PLASTIC PRODUCTS

Storage : Storage tanks.

tanks

Hardware : Washers, Nut bolts, Sleeves,

accessories Anchoring wires.

Temporary : Guard cabins, tents

structures

PLASTIC PRODUCTS

Insulation : PVC sheets, insulating

materials membranes.

PLASTIC PRODUCTS

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PLASTIC PRODUCTS

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LIMITATIONS

Plastics may be degraded under the action of direct sunlight which reduces their mechanical strength.

Many plastics are flammable unless treated. High embodied energy content Low modulus of elasticity: makes them

unsuitable for load-bearing applications. Thermoplastics are subject to creep and soften

at moderate temperatures. Thermal expansion for most plastics is high:

adequate thermal movement has to be allowed in detailing.