Plastics

23
Plastics
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this chapter, the student should be able to: ●● Select the proper plastic material for various construction
●● Learn the properties and characteristics of plastic applications.
materials used in construction.
solid extruded plastic. Other types of plastics are replacing

Build Your Knowledge glass glazing, because the plastic is lighter and more resis-
tant to shattering. Plastic lavatories, showers, and bathtubs
For further study on these materials and methods, have largely replaced those of ceramic-coated metal or
please refer to: cast-iron fixtures. A high percentage of components used in
Chapter 24 Thermal Insulation and Vapor Barriers electrical systems, such as boxes and wiring insulation, are
Chapter 29 Doors, Windows, Entrances, and plastic. Plastic film is used for vapor barriers to reduce air
Storefronts infiltration, and plastic foams are used for insulation.
Chapter 39 Plumbing Systems Since there are so many different kinds of plastics, each
with varying properties, designers and constructors must
Topics: Piping, Tubing, and Fittings
be careful to use individual plastics for their designated
purposes. For example, using plastic pipe designed to carry
cold water for hot water lines will eventually cause problems.
Plastic products have rapidly become a major construction Many families of plastic materials exist, and within each,
material, finding use for both structural and nonstructural properties can vary widely. Plastics from several families
purposes (Figure 23.1). Because extensive research in may serve the same purpose, but others exhibit unique,
plastic development has resulted in a variety of plastics special characteristics.
that have properties not available in conventional materials, The term plastic is used today to describe artificial
plastic is replacing materials such as wood and metal in polymers that contain carbon atoms covalently bonded
many aspects of construction. Plastics resist corrosion and with other elements. Plastic is obtained by breaking down
moisture; they are tough, lightweight, and easily formed into materials found in nature, such as petroleum, coal, and nat-
useful products. Since they are chemically derived, a wide ural gas (Figure 23.2). Plastics are synthetic materials,
range of plastics with special properties can be developed. resulting from chemical manipulations of natural materials.
This makes them particularly useful as a construction While plastics are composed of organic materials, they are
material because of the extensive range of applications that manufactured and not found in nature. When produced,
exist. they are soft and exhibit plastic behavior, meaning they
Vinyl siding is available in a variety of colors, surface can be formed into desired shapes. Most are made up of
textures, and sizes and provides a tough, maintenance-free molecules built around a carbon atom. An exception to this
exterior. Wood windows are clad in vinyl, eliminating the need is a plastic composed of a group of materials built around
for painting, and some windows are framed entirely from the silicon atom.
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410 Division 6 Wood, Plastics, and Composites
Figure 23.1 A variety of plastic products are widely used in the construction industry.
© Barabasa/Shutterstock.com
© Sashkin/Shutterstock.com
© DaCek/Shutterstock.com
© inxti/Shutterstock.com
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE OF The molecular bonding process can be shown by the fol-
lowing illustration. The carbon atom has a valence of four,
PLASTIC which means there are four points at which other atoms
can attach themselves to the carbon atom to form covalent
The properties of plastics can be made to vary by manipu- bonds. Other elements have different valences. For example,
lating the molecular structure of the material. Most materials oxygen atoms have a valance of two. Two oxygen atoms can
classified in the plastics family are based on the carbon atom. bond to the four carbon valence points creating carbon diox-
The carbon atom bonds with other atoms through covalent ide (CO2) (one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms).
bonding. Covalent bonding is a process in which small num-
bers of atoms are bound into molecules. A single molecule is
known as a monomer. When several monomers link together Classifications
to form a chain, they create a polymer. This chain formation is
Plastics can be divided into two basic classifications: thermo-
called polymerization. Plastic polymers are called macromole-
plastics and thermosetting materials. A new classification of
cules because they are composed of many smaller molecules
bioplastics is finding wider use.
(“macro” means large). Since the small molecules are joined
together in a chainlike condition, they are often called chains.
Plastics are made up of these polymers. Note that many plas- Thermoplastics
tics are described by the prefix “poly,” such as polyvinyl and
polystyrene. Plastic is a polymer. Polymers are moldable mate- Thermoplastics are plastic materials that can be softened or
rials, sold in the form of granules, powder, flakes, liquids, or re-melted by the application of heat and reformed. This qual-
pellets for processing into useful products (Figure 23.3). ity allows for the recycling and reuse of products made with
Chapter 23 Plastics 411
Figure 23.2 The production of plastics and plastic products. Thermoplastic materials are composed of long chain like
molecules that are unattached to each other. These molecules
SOURCE MATERIALS
can slide past one another and change shape. At normal tem-
Coal, Petroleum, Natural gas
peratures, 70°F (21°C), the material retains its shape because
the movement of molecules is slight. However, when heat is
REFINING applied, the bonding between molecules weakens, and the
Basic source material expands and becomes soft. At high temperatures
materials are
converted to feedstock (which vary according to composition), the plastic softens and
has sufficient flow to permit molding. As the molded part cools,
the plastic holds the new shape.
FEEDSTOCKS
Monomers (Molecules are small) Thermosetting Plastics
POLYMERIZATION Thermosetting plastics, also called thermosets, are plastics
Small molecules are that cannot be reheated and reformed once they have been
linked using heat, softened, constituted, and cured. They are formed with a
pressure or through chemical process that produces a strong bond between mole-
the addition of other
chemicals cules and prevents their sliding by each other. The final form of
the material is irreversible.
POLYMERS
Plastic Resins (Molecules are large)
Bioplastics
Bioplastics, or organic plastics, are derived from renewable
biomass sources, such as vegetable oil or cornstarch, rather
MANUFACTURING than from petroleum, as are fossil fuel plastics. The production
and use of bioplastics is generally regarded as more sustain-
able when compared with petroplastics (plastic production
from petroleum) because it relies less on fossil fuel carbon
Blow Molding Molding Extrusion Casng sources, resulting in fewer greenhouse emissions. Because
Hollow Solid Flat, rolled & Formed using the material biodegrades, it significantly reduces hazardous
components components tubular shapes liquid resin
waste caused by oil-derived plastics, which remain solid for
hundreds of years. Bioplastics represent a new era in manu-
facturing technology.
Figure 23.3 Polymers are moldable materials in the form of
granules, powder, flakes, liquids, or pellets for processing into
useful products.
ADDITIVES
Most plastic resins in pure form do not have the properties
needed for particular applications. Therefore, additives are
mixed with the resin to modify their properties. Frequently,
more than one additive is needed to obtain the desired proper-
ties. The commonly used additives include plasticizers, fillers,
stabilizers, and colorants.
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Plasticizers
Plasticizers are added to plastic resin to reduce brittleness,
increase flexibility, resiliency, and moldability, and, in some
cases, to improve impact resistance. A plasticizer weakens
the bond between the chainlike molecules that make up a
plastic. Since the molecules are able to slide past each other,
thermoplastics, although some thermoplastic materials will the plastic can bend and flex. In doing this the strength,
experience contamination and chemical degradation if they are heat resistance, and dimensional stability are lessened
reheated frequently. (Figure 23.4).
Figure 23.4 Some plastic products, such as this vinyl floor thermosets and thermoplastics. The limitations on these materials
covering, have plasticizers added to the resin to reduce brittleness, in certain construction uses can be judged by comparing them
increase flexibility and resiliency, and improve impact resistance. with other materials on tensile strength and other properties.
Following is a general discussion of the major properties of
plastics. The composition of plastics can vary considerably, so
the specifics of their properties do also. To make proper use of
plastic materials, the properties of a specific formulation of resin
and additives must be known.
Table 23.1 A Comparison of the Tensile Strengths of Plastics

with Other Commonly Used Construction Materials
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Material Tensile Strength, psi
Thermoset plastics 175–35,000
Thermoplastics 1000–20,000
Reinforced plastics 800–50,000
Plastic laminates 800–50,000
Glass (annealed) 3000–6000
Cast iron 20,000–100,000
Fillers Hot-rolled carbon steel 43,000–130,000
Some fillers are used to reduce a plastic’s cost by provid- Southern pine 500–1250
ing bulk. Others are used to improve a specific property. Fillers Wrought aluminum 5000–82,000
used to increase bulk or ease of molding include finely ground
hardwood and nutshells. Hardness is improved by adding min- Table 23.2 A Comparison of the Modulus of Elasticity of
eral oxides and mineral powders. Heat resistance is enhanced Plastics with Other Commonly Used Construction Materials
by adding inorganic fillers, such as clay, silica, ground lime-
stone, or asbestos. Quartz or mica increase electrical resis- Material Modulus of Elasticity (E), 106 psi
tance. Toughness is improved by adding fibers, such as hemp, Thermoset plastics 0–2.4
cotton, sisal, rayon, polyester, or nylon. Mechanical properties
Thermoplastics 0–1.8
are strengthened with the addition of glass or metal fibers.
Reinforced plastics 0–5.00
Cast iron 15–25
Stabilizers Wood 0.5–2.6
Stabilizers, or lead compounds, are used to stabilize plastic Aluminum alloys 9–11
by helping it resist heat, loss of strength, and the effects of
Glass 9–11
radiation on bonds between chains.
Concrete 1–5
Steel, carbon, high strength, 29.0
Colorants and stainless
Colorants added to the resin include organic dyes and inor-
Table 23.3 A Comparison of the Service Temperatures of
ganic pigments (metal-based). Some of these also have a sta-
Plastics with Other Commonly Used Construction Materials
bilizing influence. Inorganic pigments disperse throughout the
resin, rather than dissolve, as do the dyes, so they reduce the Material Service Temperature, °F
transparency of the material. They also withstand high tem-
Plastics 80–500
peratures without fading.
Plastic foam (polystyrene) 140–150
Carbon steel 900–1350
Wood 225–400
PROPERTIES OF PLASTICS Glass 350–1600
The important properties of plastics are illustrated in Tables Concrete 450–1350
23.1–23.5. Notice the variances within the two classifications, Aluminum alloys 300–575
Table 23.4 A Comparison of the Coefficient of Thermal Polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) have a wide range
Expansion of Plastics with Other Commonly Used Construction of impact strength and provide an array of uses, from bottles
Materials to piping. Compared to other construction materials, plastics
are quite high in impact strength. This is why acrylic and
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
polycarbonate sheet material is used for glazing in security
Material 1026 in./in./°F
situations.
Thermoset plastics 7–167
Hardness is a measure of abrasion resistance. In gen-
Thermoplastics 19–195 eral, plastics are not as good as glass or steel in resisting
Reinforced plastics 7–38 abrasion, as evidenced by visible scratches on plastic glazing
Cast iron 5.9–6.6 resulting from improper cleaning.
Carbon steel 6.5 Creep is the term used to describe the tendency of a
Wood 7–38 material to flow in normal temperatures and to have a perma-
nent change in size and shape when under continued stress.
Glass 1
Although all materials creep, it is insignificant in materials
Aluminum alloys 9 such as steel. Creep is a significant factor for many plastics,
Concrete 7 even at room temperature. It is most apparent in thermoplas-
tics, since they contain unattached molecules that can begin
Table 23.5 A Comparison of the Thermal Conductivity of to slip past each other when under stress. When the duration
Plastics with Other Commonly Used Construction Materials of stress is short, the plastic may return to its original con-
dition. Long-term stress, however, may produce permanent
Thermal Conductivity
Material BTU/hr/ft2/in./°F deformation.
Thermoset plastics 1–2 Laminates, fiberglass-reinforced plastics, and some ther-

mosets resist creep better than thermoplastics, but they do
Thermoplastics 0.5–5.0
not resist stress as effectively as steel and concrete.
Plastic foams 0.15–0.26
Wood 0.5–1.5
Glass 5–6
Electrical Properties
Brick 3–6 Plastics have excellent electrical insulating properties that
enabled the development of greatly improved electrical
Concrete 5.5–9.5
components. In addition, they have good heat resistance, a
Steel alloys 300–500 requirement for the use of a material in many electrical devices.
Aluminum alloys 500–1500 Silicones and fluorocarbons are widely used for electrical com-
Copper 440–2550 ponents. Epoxies are employed to encapsulate electric com-
ponents subjected to temperatures as high as 300°F (150°C),
and phenolics are used as housings for electrical parts,
Mechanical Properties switches, and receptacles. In other words, plastics have excel-
lent dielectric strength (the maximum voltage a dielectric can
Mechanical properties to consider for plastics used in con-
withstand without rupture). A dielectric is a nonconductor of
struction are tensile strength, stiffness, toughness (or impact
electric current. Since electrical components are subject to
strength), hardness, and creep. As shown in Table 23.1, the
damage by arcing, arc resistance is important. Arc resistance
tensile strength of most plastics is lower than steel and more
is measured by the total elapsed time in seconds an electric
closely resembles wood. Plastic laminates and fiberglass-
current must arc to cause a part to fail. Plastic parts carbon-
reinforced plastics have tensile strengths approaching steel.
ize and become conductors, burn, develop thin lines between
Stiffness is measured by the modulus of elasticity (E). electrodes, or become glowing hot. Plastics used for applica-
The greater the modulus of elasticity, the stiffer the material. tions in which arcing is a possibility have an arc resistance time
Overall, plastics are not as stiff as steel, aluminum alloys, and from 100 to 300 seconds.
concrete (Table 23.2), so they deflect more under load. One
advantage plastic structural members have is that they are
lighter than conventional materials. Thermal Properties
Impact strength (toughness) is the ability of a material to Two major factors to consider when examining thermal properties
resist impact from an object striking it. In general, thermoplastics are the influence of temperature on strength and expansion
exhibit better impact strength than thermosets. Polyurethane and contraction of the material. Many plastics lose strength
is particularly resistant and is used for automobile bumpers. at comparatively low temperatures. The service temperature
of plastics, the maximum temperature at which a plastic The weatherability of a plastic involves consideration of
can be used without affecting its properties, is low when moisture, ultraviolet light, heat, and chemicals found in the
compared with other construction materials (Table 23.3). air as ozone and hydrochloric acid. High-density polyethylene
Some plastics soften below 200°F (94°C), so they become (HDPE) has great resistance to acids, water absorption, and
softer if placed in boiling water. In general, thermosets have weathering. It is used for electrical wire insulation. Acrylics
higher service temperatures than thermoplastic materials. also have great resistance to weathering and excellent optical
Polyamide thermosetting resins resist intermittent heat up to qualities, so they are widely used for glazing.
930°F (500°C) under low stress and up to 480°F (250°C) under
continuous stress.
Density
All building materials expand and contract, a property that
must be taken into consideration as a designer selects mate- The density of plastic materials is in general lower than other
rials and prepares design details. Most plastics have a higher commonly used construction materials. Glass-reinforced plas-
coefficient of thermal expansion than other construction tics (GRP) are lighter than steel and aluminum.
materials (Table 23.4). In general, thermosets have a lower
rate of expansion than do thermoplastics.
Specific Gravity
Plastics are poor conductors of heat. Unmodified plas-
tics compare favorably with brick, concrete, and glass The specific gravity of plastics varies considerably, ranging
(Table 23.5). Notice that foamed plastics have the lowest from 0.06 for foams to 2.0 for fluorocarbons. Specific gravity is
thermal conductivity and are excellent insulators used for all the ratio of the mass of a volume of material to the mass of an
types of insulation. When comparing plastics in general with equal volume of water at a standard temperature. The specific
other materials, it can be seen that plastics have the lowest gravity of water is 1, so some plastics will float (lighter than
coefficient of thermal conductivity. water) and others will sink. The specific gravity for softwoods is
Flammability is a measure of how easily something 0.5, about 2.7 for aluminum, and about 8.0 for steel.
will ignite or burn. Since plastics are organic materials,
they will burn. The range of flammability, however, is great. Optical Properties
Cellulosics are highly flammable and are often banned by
building codes. Polyurethane and polyvinyls give off toxic Some plastics have optical properties equal to that of glass.
fumes when burning, and building codes specify protective Acrylics are as transparent as fine optical glass and have a
measures for their use. Vinyl siding, for example, begins to light transmission of 92 percent. Polystyrene, polypropylene,
burn at 698°F (370°C), whereas wood ignites at about 400°F and polycarbonates also exhibit transmission qualities of
(206°C). In general, thermoplastics are more flammable than 90 percent or better.
are thermosets, though these properties can be changed with
additives. Some plastics can develop a char layer that serves
as a shield to deter burning. The National Aeronautics and
Space Administration uses nylon and phenolic resins on the MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
exterior of spacecraft that are exposed to the searing heat of
reentry. Plastic resins in the form of liquid, powder, or beads are pro-
duced by chemical companies and sold to manufacturers of
Although plastics are no more combustible than wood,
plastic products. A manufacturer combines these polymers
they can produce toxic fumes, which are more likely than
with additives to modify the properties of the polymer to meet
flames to cause death in a fire. Most building codes have a
the needs of the product to be produced. The modified poly-
separate chapter devoted to the use of plastics in building
mer is then processed by equipment of various types to pro-
construction.
duce the products.
Common manufacturing processes include blow mold-
Chemical Properties ing, calendaring, compression molding, casting, extrusion,
While plastics do not corrode like metals, they can deteriorate expandable bead molding, form molding, injection molding,
and be damaged by chemical attack. When a metal corrodes, laminating, rotational casting, transfer molding, and thermo-
its surface is damaged to the extent that it loses weight. Deteri- forming.
orated plastics gain weight because attacking chemicals com- Blow molding involves placing a heated, preformed plas-
bine with the plastic resin. This causes swelling, crazing, and tic tube called a parison in a forming die. Air pressure is raised
discoloration. In addition, there is loss of impact, flexural, and inside the plastic tube, forcing it to conform to the shape
tensile strengths. Usually the chemical resistance of a plastic of the die. When it cools, the die is opened and the part is
decreases as the temperatures increase. removed. Most bottles are formed this way.
Calendaring involves moving a plastic material in a liquid which is heated as it rotates about two axes. The resin is
state through a series of rollers, which creates a thin plastic distributed to the surfaces of the mold by centrifugal force
film as the material solidifies. Vapor barrier and floor covering and fused by the heat.
materials are typical calendared products. Transfer molding is a combination of compression and
Compression molding involves placing plastic resin in injection molding. The resin is made liquid in the transfer
powder form in a heated mold to which heat and pressure chamber outside the mold and then injected into the mold,
are applied. The resin melts and fills the mold. where it fills the cavity and solidifies.
Casting involves pouring plastic in a liquid state into a Thermoforming involves two commonly used proce-
cavity in a mold. The liquid plastic fills the cavity and hard- dures: vacuum forming and pressure forming. Vacuum form-
ens. Extrusion is a process in which a semi-liquid plas- ing involves placing a heated sheet of plastic over a mold
tic is forced under pressure through an opening in a die. cavity and pulling a vacuum below it. Atmospheric pressure
The shape of the die opening determines the shape of the forces the sheet to the shape of the mold. Pressure forming
extruded member. involves placing a heated sheet of plastic over a mold cavity
Expandable bead molding is a process in which small and increasing the pressure behind the sheet, forcing it into
granules of resin, such as polystyrene, are mixed with an the cavity of the mold.
expanding agent and placed in a steam-heated rolling drum.
When the granules have expanded, they are cooled and
Recycled Plastic Products
transferred to a mold in which they are heated until they fuse
together. Discarded plastic and packaging make up a significant com-
Form molding requires that an expanding agent be mixed ponent of the waste stream, and the amount of plastics being
with plastic granules or powder and injected into a mold, discarded annually is not expected to decrease any time in the
where it is heated, melting the resin and forming a gas that near future.
expands the resin to fill the mold cavity. The implementation of an identification code by
Injection molding uses granules or powder resin. This is manufacturers of plastic products and packaging has greatly
fed into the heated cylinder of the injection-molding machine enhanced the recovery and sorting of the variety of plastics in
and forced by a ram into a cold mold, where it solidifies the waste stream. Six polymer codes identified numerically as:
(Figure 23.5). 1-Polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), 2-High-Density Polyethylene
(HDPE), 3-Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), 4-Low-Density Polyethylene
Laminating is a process in which several layers of mate-
(LDPE), 5-Polypropylene (PP), and 6-Polystyrene (PS) constitute
rial are bonded together to form a single sheet. An example
the majority of post-consumer plastics.
is laminating a colored plastic veneer to plywood backing
for use as wall paneling. The materials to be laminated are Post-consumer resins (PCRs) are used as a substitute
impregnated with the plastic resin, placed together, and for the raw materials in products made traditionally from
bonded by the application of heat and pressure. other materials. One example of this reuse is recycled-plastic
lumber (RPL) (Figure 23.6). The manufacture of RPL from
Rotational molding forms hollow one-piece items from
post-consumer and post-industrial resins consumes large
polyethylene powders. The resin is placed inside the mold,
Figure 23.5 Injection molding feeds heated plastic materials Figure 23.6 As a substitute for treated wood, recycled-plastic
into a machine and forces it with a ram into a cold mold. lumber (RPL) products are resistant to insects and moisture, and
require no chemical treatments to maintain their properties.
Draftangle/Shutterstock.com
Toa55/Shutterstock.com
quantities of waste plastics that would otherwise be destined acetate-butyrate (CAB). Cellulose acetate is not used for con-
to landfills and converts the waste into useful, long-lasting struction purposes, but CAB can be made resistant to weath-
products. As a substitute for treated wood, RPL products ering and is used in piping for gas and chemicals. Cellulosics
offer the advantages of being resistant to insects, rot, mois- are also used in coating compounds and adhesives.
ture, and many chemicals. Plastic lumber materials are also
benign to the environment and require no chemical treat-
Table 23.6 ASTMa Abbreviations for Plastics
ments to achieve or maintain their properties.
Another example of PCRs used in construction is poly- Thermoplastics
ester/PET or polyethylene terephthalate carpet. The carpet is Type Abbreviation
made by grinding soft drink bottles into chips that are heat-
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene ABS
treated and forced through a die to produce thin fibers. PET
carpet is non-allergenic, more stain resistant than other carpet Acrylic:
materials, and highly resistant to mold and mildew. Polymethyl methacrylate PMMA
Cellulosics:
Cellulose acetate CA
PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION Cellulose acetate-butyrate CAB

Cellulose acetate-propionate CAP
MATERIALS Cellulose nitrate CN
The following discussion gives a brief description of the plastics Ethyl cellulose EC
most commonly used in construction and some of their major Fluorocarbons:
uses. They are divided into thermoplastics and thermosets. Polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE
Since plastic materials are frequently identified in technical Nylons:
literature and professional magazines by approved abbrevia- Polyamide PA
tions, designers and constructors must be familiar with them.
Polyethylene PE
A list of these abbreviations, as compiled by the American
Society for Testing and Materials, is provided in Table 23.6. Polypropylene PP
Polycarbonates PC
Styrene:
Thermoplastics
Polystyrene PS
The majority of products used in construction are made from ther-
Styrene-acrylonitrile SAN
moplastic materials rather than thermosets. Following are com-
Styrene-butadiene plastics SBP
monly used thermoplastic materials and products using them.
Vinyl:
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Acrylonitrile- Polyvinyl acetate PVAc
butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastics are a combination of high-
Polyvinyl butyral PVB
impact polystyrene, which is very tough, and acrylonitrile, which
improves rigidity, tensile strength, and chemical resistance. Polyvinyl chloride PVC
ABS plastics are widely used for pipes and fittings for water Thermoset Plastics
lines with water up to 180°F (83°C) (non-pressure), gas supply Type Abbreviation
lines, waste, drain, and sewage vent systems (Figure 23.7). Epoxy, epoxide EP
They are also used for hardware, such as handles and knobs.
Fiberglass reinforced plastics FRP
Acrylics The most widely used acrylic is polymethyl meth- Melamine-formaldehyde MF
acrylate (PMMA). It has excellent optical clarity and finds use in Phenolic:
glazing. Typical uses include door and window lights and roof Phenol-formaldehyde PF
domes and skylights. It is also used to make lighting fixtures
Polyester —
but will soften at 200°F (94°C). Other uses include outdoor
signs, corrugated roofing, and molded hardware. Acrylics are Polyurethane:
also dispersed as fine particles in a liquid to producing latex Urethane plastics UP
used to make paints. Silicone plastics SI
Cellulosics Two common plastics based on the cel- Urea-formaldehyde UF

lulose molecule are cellulose acetate (CA) and cellulose a
American Society for Testing and Materials.
Figure 23.7 ABS plastics are used to make plumbing pipe and Figure 23.8 The Alliance Arena is one of the world’s largest
fittings. structures made of ETFE laminate.
Ayakovlev/Shutterstock.com
Fluorocarbons The most widely used fluorocarbon they resist abrasion well, they are used for molded parts, such
is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It has high resistance to as locks, rollers, gears, and cams. They do not weather well.
chemical degradation and a service temperature from 2450°F
(2234°C) to 1500°F (262°C). PTFE has a low coefficient of Polycarbonates Polycarbonates (PC) have high-impact
friction and is marketed under the trade name Teflon. It is used strength and good heat resistance. They are dimensionally
for pipe that must handle corrosive liquids at high temperatures stable and transparent. Polycarbonates find use in light fix-
and for parts that require easy sliding surfaces. tures, molded parts, and signs. They are also used in place
of glass in areas where damage is likely, such as in skylights.
Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is a fluorocarbon-
based polymer designed to have high corrosion resistance Polycarbonate plastic sheets, such as Lucite and Lexan,
and strength over a wide temperature range. In addition, it have high impact strength, reaching up to 250 times the strength
has a high melting temperature and does not emit toxic fumes of glass and 30 times that of acrylic. They are suitable for glazing
when ignited. It is also recyclable. Compared to glass, ETFE openings in areas where high security is needed and can be
film is 1 percent the weight, transmits more light, and costs laminated to produce bullet-resistant panels. Light transmission
considerably less to install. Both PTFE and ETFE are finding varies with thickness but reaches 75 percent for 0.50 in. (12 mm)
wider use in the construction industry as a cladding material panels to 86 percent for 0.125 in. (3 mm) panels. Some manu-
(Figure 23.8). facturers produce sheets in transparent solar tints, translucent
white, and a variety of other colors. Double-skinned units with
Nylons Polyamides (PA), also known as nylon, are tough, internal ribs and dead air spaces are available for use on vertical
high in strength, and have good chemical resistance. Since and sloped glazing (Figure 23.9).
Figure 23.9 Polycarbonate glazing panels have good Figure 23.10 Polystyrene is a water-resistant, dimensionally
heat-resistance and light-transmission qualities. stable plastic used frequently in insulation products.
Dieter Heinemann/Westend61/Alloy/Corbis
4level/Shutterstock.com
Polyethylene Polyethylene (PE) is light, strong, and flexi-
ble, even at low temperatures. It has good water resistance
and low vapor transmission. Its major use in construction is Figure 23.11 Polyvinyl chloride is used to produce plastic piping
as a vapor barrier on walls, floors, and ceilings. It is also used and exterior products such as siding, gutters, soffits, and fascia.
on basement walls as part of a waterproofing application. The
wide use of polyethylene makes for an important environmen-
tal issue. Polyethylene is not biodegradable and takes several
centuries to efficiently degrade, though it can be recycled.
Polypropylene Polypropylene (PP) is much like polyethylene

but is more heat resistant and stiffer. It is used for hot water pipes,
waste disposal systems, and strong fibers for carpeting.
Polystyrene Polystyrene (PS) is a water-resistant, dimen-

sionally stable, transparent plastic that maintains its properties
at low temperatures but begins to soften around 200°F (94°C).
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It is brittle and has poor weathering qualities. When produced in
a foamed condition, it is widely used as insulation. Polystyrene
is used in rigid insulation sheets, as cores for insulated doors
and sandwich panels and for roof insulation (Figure 23.10).
Vinyls The term vinyl describes a large group of plastics devel-

oped from the ethylene molecule. Those used in construction are
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB).
Polyvinyl chloride is the most widely used vinyl in the man-
Thermosets
ufacture of products used in construction. It is dimensionally Thermoset materials are used for products requiring greater
stable and has high impact resistance, high abrasion resis- heat resistance and stiffness than that afforded by thermo-
tance, and good aging qualities. A wide variety of products plastics. Thermosets find limited use because they are brittle,
are made from PVC, including siding, gutters, floor tile, pipe, harder to form, and cannot be reformed.
and window frames (Figure 23.11). It can be bonded to other
materials, such as plywood panels, to provide a protective Epoxies Epoxies, mainly used because of their excellent
skin. PVC is available as a rigid or flexible foam and used as adhesive qualities, have good chemical and moisture resis-
a core material in panel construction. It is copolymerized with tance. They are widely employed in coating compounds and
other plastics to produce a binder for terrazzo floors and a as adhesives. Epoxies bond to almost any material and are
number of adhesives. used in the assembly of panels, the bonding of veneers and
overlays, and as protective coatings. They are used as mortars
Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is used as an inner layer in safety
for bonding concrete block and in patching material for dam-
glass and as a protective coating on fabrics. Another type of
aged concrete. Epoxies are also used to produce some types
vinyl, polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), is used in mortars, paints, and
of fiberglass-reinforced plastic.
adhesives.
Formaldehyde Formaldehyde plastics are incapable of partitions, curtain wall exterior laminates, and window frames
plastic deformation and are hard, strong, heat resistant, and and sashes. Reinforced polyesters have ultimate strengths up
brittle. Three types find some use in construction. to 50,000 psi (344,500 kPa) and E values as high as 3 3 106 psi.
Phenol-formaldehyde (PF), generally referred to as pheno- The strength of the plastic is proportional to the amount of
lics, has fillers such as glass fibers added to improve impact glass reinforcement used, because the glass fiber provides a
resistance and strength. It has good electrical and thermal tensile strength approaching 150,000 psi (1,033,500 kPa).
properties. Phenolic plastics are the most widely used of the
Polyurethanes (UP) Polyurethanes are used to produce
thermosets. They are molded to form hardware and elec-
low-density foams that can be varied from soft, open-cell types
tric parts, such as switches, boxes, and circuit breakers. An
that are flexible to a tough, closed-cell, rigid material. These
important use involves the coating of kraft paper that forms
foams have very low thermal conductivity and make excellent
the base of high-pressure plastic laminates used for counter-
insulation. They have good chemical and heat resistance and
tops and other surfaces. The cardboard interior structure of
good tensile strength. Polyurethane foams are used to fill wall,
hollow-core doors and panels is impregnated with phenolic
ceiling, and floor spaces by spraying them on surfaces or in
resin. It is also used to make some types of adhesives, pro-
cavities, after which they solidify. They are also used to insu-
tective coating materials, and foamed insulation.
late pipes, ducts, and wall panels. Rigid insulation sheets are
Melamine-formaldehyde (MF), generally referred to as widely used for many purposes, such as insulating flat roofs
melamine, are hard, scratch-resistant plastics that withstand (over which a hot tar and gravel roof is applied). Polyurethanes
chemical attack. They are used in the production of high-pressure also find use in the manufacture of elastomers (synthetic
plastic laminates, such as those used for countertops. They rubbers), caulking, adhesives, and glazing materials.
are used as an adhesive in the production of plywood and to
mold hardware and electrical fixtures. Silicones (SI) Silicone plastics are not based on the car-
Urea-formaldehyde (UF) is used for similar application as bon atom, as all those previously discussed, but on the silicon
melamine-formaldehyde. Urea-formaldehyde is not as hard atom. They have good corrosion resistance and are efficient
and does not have the same heat-resisting properties as electrical insulators. Heat-resistance properties enable them
melamine-formaldehyde. to have a service temperature ranging from 280°F (227°C) to
500°F (260°C). An important property involves their ability to
Formaldehyde can be toxic, allergenic, and carcinogenic,
withstand exposure to the elements.
and its use in many construction materials makes it one of
the more common indoor air pollutants. At concentrations Since silicons are very water repellent, they are applied in
above 0.1 ppm (parts per million) in air, formaldehyde can irritate liquid form to exterior wall and masonry materials to provide a
the eyes and mucous membranes. Formaldehyde inhaled at water-resistant coating (Figure 23.12). This stops water from
this concentration may cause headaches, a burning sensation penetrating a wall, such as a brick exterior wall, yet has the
in the throat, and difficulty breathing, as well as triggering or permeability to allow internally developed moisture to pass
aggravating asthma symptoms. through as a vapor. Silicone rubber is soft, heat resistant, and
does not harden at low temperatures. It is used in sealants
Polyesters A large number of plastics fall under the generic and gaskets where watertightness is required.
name polyester. Polyesters include Mylar, from which drafting
film is made; alkyds, used for paints and enamels; and fiber-
glass-reinforced plastics. Reinforced plastic interior moldings Figure 23.12 Silicone sealants and caulks are in common use
are available made from fiberglass-reinforced polyester. These to seal gaps, joints, and crevices in buildings.
are easy to cut, install, and come primed and ready for paint-
ing. They are available in small and very large, complex-profile
single pieces, which makes installation easy. Complex wood
moldings require that several individual pieces of molding be
cut and fitted together. Other plastic moldings and trim for
interior and exterior use are available made from cellular vinyl,
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polymers. Saturated and unsat-
urated polyesters are produced. The most important group is
the unsaturated polyesters. They can be linked to a monomer,
such as styrene, forming a strong, hard thermosetting plastic.
NIKCOA/Shutterstock.com
Their major use is in the production of reinforced plastics to

which glass fibers are added. This produces a stable, tough,
impact-resistant, and high-strength material. Major uses
include molded bathtubs, showers, sheets for roofing and
Review Questions
1. What two atoms form the nucleus for the deriva- 17. What is the major danger produced by burning
tion of the material plastics? plastics?
2. What is the process called that enables carbon 18. When plastics deteriorate due to chemical action,
atoms to bond with other atoms? what type of damage occurs?
3. What is a single molecule called? 19. Which plastics have good optical properties?
4. What is formed when several monomers link 20. Identify the following plastics by their standard

together? abbreviation: ABS, PMMA, PA, PE, PVC.
5. What is the valence of the carbon atom? 21. What is the major use for ABS plastics?
6. What are the two major classifications of plastics? 22. What type of plastic would you choose for door
7. Why is it possible to heat and reform thermoplastic and window glazing?
materials? 23. What type of plastic is used in the manufacture of
8. Why is it that thermoset plastic cannot be reheated latex paints?
and reformed into new shapes? 24. The vapor barriers used in walls and floors most
9. What are the major groups of additives used in likely are made from what type of plastic?
formulating plastics? 25. What type of plastic weathers well and is used for
10. How do plasticizers change the properties of exterior purposes, such as siding, gutters, and
plastics? window frames?
11. What is a common way to reduce the cost of plas- 26. What thermoset plastic is known for its use as a
tics? strong adhesive?
12. What is added to plastic to increase its strength? 27. What plastics are used in the manufacture of

high-pressure plastic laminates?
13. What colorants are used to produce desired

colors? 28. What type of plastic is used in the manufacture of
showers and bathtubs?
14. What are the most important mechanical proper-
ties of plastics used in construction? 29. What thermoset plastic is widely used to produce
foamed insulation commonly sprayed on roofs
15. What are the two major considerations when

and in wall cavities?
considering the thermal properties of plastics?
30. What uses are made of silicones in building con-
16. Which plastics have the lowest thermal conductivity?
struction?
Key Terms
Additive Flammability Service Temperature

Arc Resistance Hardness Stabilizer
Bioplastics Hollow-Core Door Synthetic Material
Covalent Bonding Monomer Thermoplastic
Creep Plastic Thermoset
Dielectric Strength Plastic Behavior Valence
Elastomers Plasticizer Weatherability
Filler Polymers
Activities
1. Collect samples of various plastic products example, see which will ignite the quickest when
used in construction. Try to identify the type of exposed to a continuous flame and which will
plastic. burn after the flame is removed. Run tensile tests,
2. Develop a series of tests you can perform with the expose samples to acids, hot water, and so on,
facilities available and test plastics samples. For and record what happens to each.
Additional Resources
American Society of Civil Engineers (1985). Structural Plastic Selection Manual, Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), www.plasticsindustry.org
American Society of Civil Engineers, www.ascelibrary.org Plastic Pipe Institute, www.plasticpipe.org
American Society for Testing and Materials (2006). Plastic Pipe and Building See Appendix C for addresses of professional and trade organizations and other
Products (Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 08.04), American Society for Test- sources of technical information.
ing and Materials.

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23

solid extruded plastic. Other types of plastics are replacing

Table 23.1 A Comparison of the Tensile Strengths of Plastics

Thermoset plastics 1–2 Laminates, fiberglass-reinforced plastics, and some ther-

PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION Cellulose acetate-butyrate CAB

Cellulosics Two common plastics based on the cel- Urea-formaldehyde UF

Polypropylene Polypropylene (PP) is much like polyethylene

Polystyrene Polystyrene (PS) is a water-resistant, dimen-

Vinyls The term vinyl describes a large group of plastics devel-

Their major use is in the production of reinforced plastics to

Additive Flammability Service Temperature

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