Fathima SP Mariya Francis Rajiv Babu

PLASTIC

Plastics are used on a daily basis throughout the world. The word plastic is a common term that is used for many materials of a synthetic or semi-synthetic nature. The term was derived from the Greek plastikos, which means “fit for molding.”

One way plastics changed the world was in cost. It was so much cheaper to manufacture than other materials and the various ways it could be used was staggering.

Due to their relatively ease of manufacture, versatility, and imperviousness to water, low cost, plastics are used in an enormous and expanding range of products, from paper clips to spaceships.

They have already displaced many traditional materials

• wood

• stone

• horn and bone

• leather

• paper

• metal 

• glass

• and ceramic

HISTORYThe development of plastics has evolved from the use of natural plastic materials to the use of chemically modified, natural materials and finally to completely synthetic molecules.

Early plastics were bio-derived materials such as egg and blood proteins, which are organic polymers

Although hard plastics like Bakelite were used as early as 1909, it wasn’t really big until later.

Plastic (LDPE) bowl, by GEECO, Made in England, c1950.

HISTORY

Bakelite Products

There are two main types of plastics –

Thermoplastics : which are softened by heat and can be moulded.

Thermosets : which are formed by heat process but are then set (like concrete) and cannot change shape by reheating.

Composites are made by mixing materials together to get enhanced properties.

TYPES OF PLASTIC

Products and uses of Thermoplasts

Products and uses of Thermosets

ADVANTAGES

Light in weight.

Can be easily moulded and have excellent finishing.

Possess very good strength and toughness. 

Corrosion resistant and chemically inert.

Low thermal expansion of co-efficient and possess good thermal and electrical insulating property.

Very good water resistant and possess good adhesiveness.

Strong, good and cheap to produce.

Unbreakable.

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES 

• Plastic is a nonrenewable resources

• Causes CANCER

• Embrittlement at low temperature.

• Deformation under load.

• Low heat resistant and poor ductility.

• Combustibility.

• Produces toxic fumes when it is burnt

• It is a recycle process, but it is very costly. 

DISADVANTAGES

• 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.

• 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.

AS A BUILDING MATERIAL

• 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.

• 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.

THE BUILDING INDUSTRY

Pipes  : Electrical Conduits, Rain Water & Sewage pipes, Plumbing, Gas Distributions.

Cables : PVC Insulation on cables, Insulation Tapes .

Floorings : Flooring tiles & Rolls .

Domes / sky lights : Opaque as well as transparent.

Roofing  : Coloured or Double skinned for insulation.

Windows & doors : Extruded sections for Door and windows and panels.

Storage tanks : Storage tanks.

Hardware accessories : Washers, Nut bolts, Sleeves, Anchoring wires.

Temporary structures: Guard cabins, tents

Insulation materials: PVC sheets, insulating membranes.

PLASTIC FLOORINGS

Available in two types:

• Hard polypropylene

• Soft PVC.

Each type of plastic flooring is incredibly durable.

Generally used for Garages, and Warehouses

Both types are capable of supporting extreme weight loads and resistant to oils/solvents.

PVC is a softer, more pliable option which typically provides a softer flooring for standing or working. This makes it very popular in warehouses and other industrial environments.

PLASTIC FLOORING

PLASTIC FLOORING LIKE WOOD FINISH

WOOD PLASTIC COMPOSITE DECKOING FLOOR

PLASTIC WALLS

APPLICATIONS FOR PLASTIC WALLS

Commercial kitchens

Bathrooms

Washrooms

Canteen Walls and Ceilings

Food Processing Areas

Changing Areas

Fast Food Outlets

Food Storage

REASON

Durable

Waterproof

Easy to clean

Hygienic Wall & Ceilings

Cost Effective

Easy to Install

Choice of colours & styles

PLASTIC WALLS

PLASTIC CEILINGSPLASTIC CEILINGS

PLASTIC ROOFINGPLASTIC ROOFING

At first sight, plastics may appear to be a poor fit in the context of green building. Many in the design and construction industry consider plastics “unnatural” and nowhere near as “green” as more traditional materials like wood. However, more considered analysis reveals that plastic building materials bring a lot of advantages to the table, including

• energy efficiencies

• lower greenhouse gas emissions

• durable

• effective

“GREEN” PLASTIC

Water Cube; The National Aquatic Centre in Beijing China

Plastics materials, including vinyl, are increasingly being used in green building projects to help lessen the environmental impact of a building in several key areas, such as energy, materials, water and indoor environment.

PLASTIC HOUSE

Plastic house by Kengo Kuma made entirely of plastic (urethane panels)

Situated in Tokyo, Japan

• 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.

LIMITATIONS – AS A BUILDING MATERIAL

• 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.

BI• Building Material and Construction, B.C. Punmia

• Wikipedia.org (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastics_in_the_Construction_Industry)

• BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27442625)

• Connecticutplastics (http://www.connecticutplastics.com/resources/connecticut-plastics-learning-center/an-introduction-to-plastics/)

• SAB Magazine (http://www.sabmagazine.com/blog/2008/12/18/water-cube/)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

THANK YOU!