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 Examples of Symbols
Types applications/usages

Polyethylene Fizzy drink and water bottles. Salad trays.

Terephthalate

High Density Milk bottles, bleach, cleaners and most

Polyethylene shampoo bottles.

Polyvinyl Plumbing pipes and guttering, shower

Chloride curtains, window frames, flooring.

Low Density Carrier bags, BIN LINERS and

Polyethylene packaging films.
 Polymer Examples of Symbols
Types applications/usages

Margarine tubs, microwaveable meal trays,

Polypropylene also produced as fibres and filaments
for carpets, wall coverings and vehicle
upholstery.

Yoghurt pots, foam hamburger boxes and

Polystyrene egg cartons, Plastic cutlery, protective
packaging for electronic goods and toys.
Insulating material in the building
and construction industry.
Any other plastics that do not fall into any
Unallocated of the above categories - for example
References 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.
 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.
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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.