Construction Materials

Plastics

Plastics

Introduction

Construction Industry

Low density non load bearing materials

Not subject to corrosion

Degraded by direct sunlight

Flammable

Noxious fumes given off

Plastics

Introduction

20% market share

40% PVC

Pipes

Electrical cable insulation

Windows and doors

Flooring applications

Produced from petrochemical products

Carbon atoms are molecular backbone

Rubber and cellulose exception (natural)

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Plastics

Polymerisation

Process of joining small molecular units into a
long chain of repeat units

Addition polymerisation (end on end)
C2H4 polymerisation C6H12
Ethylene Polythene

C2H3Cl polymerisation C6H9Cl3

Vinyl Chloride Polyvinyl chloride

Plastics

Condensation Polymerisation

Polymerisation

Condensation
Polymerisation

Elimination of water
between adjacent
monomers
 Monomer is single
unit
 O2 or N2 atoms in
backbone of chain
 Polyester
resins
 Polyamides
(Nylons)

Plastics

Polymers

Polymer chains

Linear

high density polythene

Branched

low density polythene

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Plastics

Copolymers

2 or more different monomers

Polymerised together

Properties

Dependant on how monomers are joined
 Random
 Alternate
 Block

 & represent different monomer units

Plastics

Crystallinity
Crystallinity

Most polymers random
chains

When stretched
alignment of molecular
chain

Crystalline structure

formed

Stronger

Plastics

Glass Transition Temperature

Transformation from flexible to rigid

Lowering temperature reduces movement

 Becomes viscous and solidifies

Significantly changed by addition of Plasticisers

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Plastics

Polymer Types
1. Thermoplastic
2. Thermosetting
3. Elastomers

Plastics

Polymer Types
1. Thermoplastic
Soften upon heating
1.

Reset on cooling
2.

Reversible process
Unaffected by cyclic repetition
if no excessive temperatures
Many are soluble in organic solvents

Plastics

Polymer Types
2. Thermosetting
Three dimensional cross linked structure
not softened by heating
char degrade at high temperatures
solvent resistant
harder than thermoplastics
due to cross linking

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Plastics

Polymer Types
3. Elastomers
long chain polymers
naturally helical
chains free to straighten
when stretched
recover when load removed

Plastics

Polymer Types
Vulcanisation

3. Elastomers

Vulcanisation
 Addition of sulphur
 Restricts
movement
 Locks chains
together

Plastics

Additives

Plasticisers (dibutyl phthalate)

Increase flexibility

Separates molecular chains
 Decreases mutual attraction

Loss of plasticiser

Migration
 Embrittlement

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Plastics

Additives

Fillers

Reduce cost

Improve fire resistance

Improve opacity

Chalk, sand, clay, carbon black

Titanium dioxide shiny surface

Glass fibres
 Polyester resins strength

Plastics

Additives

Pigments and Stabilisers

Added to absorb UV light
 Prevent degradation
 Organotin to PVC prevent HCl

Plastics

Degradation of Plastic
Degradation

Breakdown of long chains

Heat

UV light

Ozone

Combination of above
 Reduce chain length
 Discolouration
double bonds
yellowing
 Surface crazing /
stress cracking
 Cross linking
Embrittlement of
surface

Loss of plasticiser
(PVC)

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Plastics

Properties of Plastics

Fire

All combustible
 Noxious fumes and smoke
 Carbon Monoxide organic materials

Nitrogen containing plastics
 Hydrogen cyanide
 Polyurethane foam

Poly Vinyl Chloride
 Hydrochloric acid

Plastics

Properties of Plastics

Strength

Good tensile strength to weight ratio

Low modulus of elasticity (no give)
 Unsuitable for most load bearing situations
 GRP exception

Branching strength ( less crystalline)

Cross-linking strength ( rubber, Vulcanisation)

Plasticiser strength ( PVC)

Chain length strength

Plastics

Plastic Forming Processes
Extrusion

Continuous

Extrusion
 Molten thermoplastic
through dye
 Rod, tube.
 Pipes,
rainwater
goods, fibres

Film Blowing
 Air introduced to
extrusion process
 Continuous
plastic sheet
 Thickness
controlled by air
pressure

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Plastics

Plastic Forming Processes

Continuous

Calendering
 Sheet thermoplastic
 Granules compressed
 Fused between heated rollers

Plastics

Plastic Forming
Injection Moulding
Processes

Batching

Injection Moulding
 Thermoplastic
granules melted
 In extruder,
rammed into mould
 Cooled, removed,
trimmed
 Low cost, rapid
 Thermosetting
granules
 Initial forming at low
temperature
 Heat mould cross
link liquid plastic

Plastics

Plastic Forming Processes

Batching

Compression Moulding
 Thermosetting resins
 Uncross linked resin powder
 Pressure and heat in mould
 Polymer melted and cross-linked

Pressing
 Sheet heated to softening point
 Pressed in dies

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Plastics

Plastic Forming Processes

Batching

Vacuum Forming
 Thermoplastic sheet heated over mould
 Evacuated through fine holes
 Draw plastic into form

Blow moulding
 Positive air pressure
 Inside molten polymer tube
 Expanded into shape of mould

Plastics

Plastics in Construction

Plastics

Plastics in Construction

Thermoplastics

Polythene
 LDPE , soft pt 90oC DPC, DPM
 HDPE, soft pt 125oC cold water tanks and
plumbing

Polypropylene
 Soft pt 150oC pipes and water tanks
 Chemical resistant drainage
 Brittle below 0oC DPC

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Plastics

Plastics in Construction

Thermoplastics

Polybutylene
 Flexible, Hot and Cold Pipework
 Smooth internal surface

PVC u
 Rainwater goods white, grey, black, brown
 Underground services

PVC
 Tile and sheet flooring

Plastics

Plastics in Construction

Thermoplastics

Polytetrafluroethylene
 Low friction sealing tape
 High melting point
 Toxic combustion
 Class O, PTFE coated glass fibre membrane
 Lifespan 20 -25 years

 TEFLON

Plastics

Plastics in Construction

Thermosetting

Phenol Formaldehyde

 Cheapest
 Laminates brown

Urea Formaldehyde
 Range of colours
 Electrical components
 WC seats

Melamine
 Hard wearing, durable, heat resistant
 Surface laminate

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Plastics

Plastics in Construction

Elastomers

Natural Rubber
 Cross linked with sulphur flooring
 Reinforced with carbon anti vibration
bearings

Neoprene
 Resistant to chemical attack
 Glazing seals

Plastics

Plastics in Construction

Elastomers

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer)
 High elongation
 Weather resistant
 Gaskets
 Single ply roofing system

Butyl Rubber
 Good chemical resistance
 Good weather resistance
 Sheet liners water features / landfill sites

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