Arch 23 Report - plastics part 1

8/3/2019 Arch 23 Report - plastics part 1

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Plastics


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Plastic refers to any of the numerous synthetic

or natural organic materials that are mostly

thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers ofhigh 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-chainmolecules.


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Their name is derived from the fact that in their semi-liquid state they are malleable, or have the property

ofplasticity. Plastics are used in a growing range of

applications in the construction industry. They havegreat versatility and combine excellent strength to

weight ratio, durability, cost effectiveness, low

maintenance and corrosion resistancewhich make plastics an economically attractive choicethroughout the construction sector.

Potentially, plastics have further uses as they do not

rot, rust or need regular re-painting, they havestrength with lack of weight, they are easilyformable, and their light weight enables them to be

easily transported and moved on site.


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History and Development

Humans have used natural plastics such ashorn 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 trulysynthetic plastic (Bakelite used for electricalequipment) was produced in 1909. The use of

polyethylene by the Allies during World War 2knocked 270kg off the weight of aircraft radarsystems.


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The first major building plastic was a vinyl

floor tile introduced in 1933 at an exhibition in

Chicago. PVC window frames first appeared inGermany in the 1950s, and today PVC is by far

the dominant plastic in building use.


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Plastic Components

Resin - A sticky

flammable organic

substance, insoluble in

water, exuded by some

trees and other plants

(notably fir and pine).

The basic componentof plastics.

Fillers for durability

and heat resistance


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Stabilizers are

added to prevent

degradation.

Plasticizers

or dispersants are

additives that

increasethe plasticity or flui

dity of a material.


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Physical Properties

Elasticity

Friction

Abrasion resistance

Degradation under heat

Softening point

Electrical properties

Chemical resistance

Biological resistance

Permeability


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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.


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Thermoplastics


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ABS - Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

(Butyrol based)

strong and rigid

resistant to a variety of bases and acids

some solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbonsmay damage the material

maximum usable temperature 160oF (71oC)

common as DEV - Drainage, Waste and Vent -pipes

Used in plumbing and outdoor furniture


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Acrylic

Acrylic plastic refers to a family of synthetic, or man-made, plastic materials containing one or morederivatives of acrylic acid.

Clear plastics

Hard surface

Good weathering ability

Used in skylights, safety glazing

Acrylic plastic is not easily recycled. It is considered agroup 7 plastic among recycled plastics and is notcollected for recycling in most communities.


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Acrylic skylight


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Saftey glazing


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Cellulosics

Rigid, transparent, tough (even at lowtemperatures) low electrostatic pick up, easilymoulded 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


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Flouroplastics/ Teflon

Semi-rigid, translucent, exceptional low frictioncharacteristics, superior chemical resistance,good weathering resistance and electrical

properties Non-stick coating, gaskets, packings, bearings,

high and low temperature electrical and medicalapplications, laboratory equipment, pump parts,

thread seal tape. Highly chemical resistant

Extremely heat-resistant


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Fluoroplastic tubing eliminates static

charges


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Polyamides (Nylon)

Polyamides have good strength and toughnesswith excellent fatigue resistance. However, theyare prone to absorb moisture

Used for carpets, drawer glides, chairs Electrical insulation, corrosion resistance and

toughness make nylon a good choice for highload parts in electrical applications as insulators,

switch housings and the ubiquitous cable ties.Another major application is for power toolhousings.


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Nylon seats


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Nylon carpets


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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


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Polyolefin-lined fittings


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Polyolefin sealants


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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.


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Vinyls /Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) PVC's major benefit is its compatibility with many

different kinds of additives, making it a highlyversatile polymer.

Impact resistant

Due to its very nature, PVC is widely used in many

industries and provides very many popular andnecessary products.

Used in pipes, plumbing pipes, window blinds,floor coverings, upholstery

Primary environmental concerns duringmanufacture are release of hazardous materialsinto the environment, and health of productionworkers. Many common plastics like PVC rely on

hazardous constituents.


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Vinyl window blinds


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PVC pipe ends


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PVC Pipes


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PVC Pipes


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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 plasticscontributes to durability, but it also results in

the persistence of these materials in landfills,

and even in living systems. ETFE


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ETFE stands for Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene, a transparent

polymer that is used instead of glass and plastic insome 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 isstrong enough to bear 400 times its own weight

can be stretched to three times its length without loss ofelasticity

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, andcan be too noisy for some places

Working with ETFE is too complex for small residentialprojects


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Beijing Water Cube


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The Eden Project


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Sources:

http://www.greenbuildingpress.co.uk/archive/plastics.php

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

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Arch 23 Report - plastics part 1