Types of plastic used in construction

[edit] 1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a chemically stable polyester, and its use has risen dramatically in the last few decades with a multitude of applications, ranging from food and drink containers to the manufacture of electronic & automotive components and as fibres in clothes.

Amorphous PET is used for the production of bottles and packaging due to its high transparency, which is very similar to that of glass. In other cases, a semi-crystalline state of polymer is used, which has a milky white colour and is opaque.

[edit] 2. HDPE

[edit] High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), chemically, has a very high molecular weight. Polyethylene itself is a whitish, semi-crystalline, and effectively opaque engineering thermoplastic, it normally comes in black or white but can have a range of colours. It can sometimes be confused with High density polypropylene (HDPP) because of its similar use in the manufacture of pipes, which comes under category 5.

In households HDPE is commonly found in containers for motor oil, shampoos, soap bottles, detergents, and bleaches. In construction it is used for vapour barriers, air and moisture barrier membranes, carpet textiles, roofing, industrial adhesives and tapes. It may also be found is temporary use as packaging elements such as window films, counter top protection, trims and skirts etc. It is most commonly associated with piping and has been used for municipal and industrial water applications for more than 50 years, as well as more recently for ground source geothermal applications.

HDPE sits within a family of different densities of polyethylene in the use of different pipework and although some HDPE pipes are actually manufactured from High Density Polypropylene (HDPP) they may still be referred to as HDPE pipes. Other products with in the same family include Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE), Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE ), Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW). Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) is also often used in the manufacture of piping systems.

[edit] Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE)

Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) is part of the Polyethylene family of thermoplastics is usually black or blue and may also be referred to as black alkathene, it has a relatively dense molecular structure, lower than HDPE and higher than LDPE.

When ethylene is polymerised it is straight polymer chains, with branches from a main chain, LDPE has the most branching as so is least dense, whilst HDPE has the least branching so is the more dense, MDPE is in between. These are polyolefins, which are high molecular weight hydrocarbons, they are some of the only plastics existing that have a lower specific gravity, weighing less than water. They are susceptible to oxidation and UV damage. MDPE is therefore, as with other polyethylenes lightweight and flexible, so often used in the manufacture of various gas pipes and fittings, sacks, carrier bags, and screw closures. On construction sites and factories it os often used as key element to pallets packing and shipping as a shrink wrap, slightly heavier duty than LDPE shrink wrap..

[edit] 3. PVC

[edit] Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

PVC plastic is a kind of common building plastic made from the polymeriSed vinyl chloride monomer. Polyvinyl chloride plastic has better chemical stability and agEing resistance, but poor heat resistance. It may decompose and metamorphose if the temperature exceeds 100°C. Usually, it should be used at temperature of below 60-80°C. By adding different amounts of plasticiSer, hard and soft polyvinyl chloride plastic can be made.

Polycarbonate plastic (PC) is a high-performance, sustainable thermoplastic (it becomes liquid at its melting point rather than burning). Unlike thermoset plastics, thermoplastics can be heated, cooled and reheated again without significant degradation. This means they are suitable for be injection moulding and subsequent recycling. Styrofoam.

Cables sheathed in PVC. Pipes and gutters. Windows and doors. PVC flooring or polyvinyl flooring

[edit] Un plasticised Polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)

PVC contains plasticiser additives whereas uPVC doesn't. The addition of plasticisers has an important effect on the properties of polyvinyl chloride, making it softer and increasing its flexibility. Because uPVC is unplasticised it is much more rigid. Often specified for use in cladding panels, pipes or gutters and specifically for windows and doors.

[edit] Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) -

Chlorinated PVC (CPVC) is compounded with different ingredients, added chlorine gives PVC higher temperature and pressure performance, as well as improved fire and corrosion resistance. It is a PVC homopolymer that has been subject to a chlorination reaction, via thermal and/or UV energy causing a basic free radical mechanism. It is used for hot and cold water plumbing distribution, in residential and commercial buildings and hydronic piping such as radiators, fan coils, and their distribution, it has many industrial and process piping applications including and gutters.

[edit] Oriented PVC (PVC-O)

Oriented PVC (PVC-O) is manufactured by processing PVC molecules through biaxial orientation, making it more corrosion-resistant and allows pipes and fittings to survive the high-pressure conveyance of water.

[edit] Modified Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC-M)

Modified Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC-M) improves design stress, toughness, impact and cracking resistance of PVC, comparable to that of PE pipe. It also tolerates a certain degree of bending deformation.

[edit] High Impact PVC (PVC-HI)

High Impact PVC (PVC-HI) is PC with an added impact modifier to increase the resistance to external blows. The minimum requirements for a PVC-HI grade is defined in section 5 of the international standard ISO 6993-1 “Buried, high-impact poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-HI) piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Part 1: Pipes for a maximum operating pressure of 1 bar (100 kPa)" Studies show new and existing PVC-HI pipelines are fit for transport of hydrogen.

[edit] Polymer alloy PVC (PVC-A)

Polymer alloy PVC (PVC-A) is made up of two main parts PVC-U and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), it combines the resistance of PVC-U and the ductility of polyethylene.

[edit] Polyvinylidene Chloride

Polyvinylidene Chloride is synthesised from ethylene dichloride. Introduced by DOW Chemicals in 1939, the PVDC monomer is used in the manufacture of barrier coatings, fibres and plastics.

Because of its superior qualities as a barrier against water, oxygen and aromas, about 85 percent of PVDC is used as a thin layer between cellophane, paper and plastic to improve the packaging performance.

Other, industrial uses include screens, artificial turf, waste-eater treatment materials and underground materials.

https://www.plasticpipe.org/BuildingConstruction/BuildingConstruction/CPVC.aspx

[edit] 4. LDPE

[edit] Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Low Density Polyethylene LDPE is part of the Polyethylene family of thermoplastics which include HDPE and MDPE. LDPE has the least dense molecular structure, when ethylene is polymerized it is straight polymer chains, with branches from a main chain, LDPE has the most branching as so is least dense.

LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE, PP are polyolefins, which are high molecular weight hydrocarbons, they are some of the only plastics existing that have a lower specific gravity, weighing less than water. They are susceptible to oxidation and UV damage. LDPE is lighweight and flexible, so often used in the manufacture of various containers, dispensers, squeeze bottles, tubing, plastic parts and moulded elements of computers and equipment. On constructions sites and factories it os often used as key element to pallets packing and shipping as a shrink wrap.

[edit] Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)

LLDPE is a copolymer of ethylene and another longer olefin,rather than a homopolymer constituted by ethylene monomers as is LDPE, rather than the long branches it has a series of shorter branches. These characteristics improve its tensile strength, puncture resistance and susceptibility to stress cracking in harsh environments, because of these advantages the thickness specification for pipes can be less, meaning it is more flexible.

substantial addition of LLDPE (30-40%).” LLDPE also has a higher tensile strength than LDPE and greater puncture resistance (Robertson, G.L., 2006). Since LDPE is a weaker tubing than LLDPE a thicker wall grade can be chosen to compensate, but this has cost implications if a large amount of tubing is required. Flexibility is also affected negatively by a greater wall thickness.

LDPE also has advantages as it is more transparent than LLDPE (Robertson, G.L., 2006), which may be advantageous if visualization of the conveyed fluid is important. It also tends to be more flexible. The performance of LDPE can be greatly improved by incorporating it into a two-layer tube. A flexible polymer such as EVA can be used as the outer layer, while the chemically inert LDPE makes up the inner layer. We have taken advantage of such a “co-extrusion” in our Pharm-A-Line VI & Pharm-A-Line XL Polyethylene-Lined EVA tubing.

[edit] Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE, PEX, PE-X or XPE)

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE, PEX or XPE) is a form of polyethylene with networked branches, the types of cross-linking, names of products and their properties is complex. Essentially there are four types; peroxide cross-linking (PE-Xa), irradiation or radiation cross-linking (PE-Xc), silane cross-linking (PE-Xb) and the lesser known Azo cross-linking (PE-Xd).

European standards classify three types PE-Xa, PE-Xb and PE-Xc each of which has a different manufacture process. As cross-linking increases, individual macromolecules eventually become a connected to a network, shifting the PE from being a thermoplastic to becoming a thermoset, that can be effectively only be recycled if cross-link points are decomposed.

Cross-linked polyethylene is often used for pipe and tubing, instead of PVC, including hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems, domestic water, natural gas and offshore oil, chemical, sewage and slurry transportation. Other cross-linked polymers can also be produced such as polyester fiberglass, polyurethanes used as coatings, adhesives, vulcanized rubber, epoxy resins.

[edit] XLPE foam

XLPE foams, also known as chemically cross linked polyethylene foam, can be used as insulation as they offer low thermal transmission and also as shock absorption foam, ideal for packaging. For use with electronics, an anti-static compound can also be added.

[edit] Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW PE or PE-UHMW))

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene has a low degree of cross-linking, so large molecules where individual macromolecules are not linked leading to a multiplication of the molecular weight, becoming a thermoplastic elastomer.

[edit] 5 PP

[edit] Polypropylene / Polypropene (PP)

PP plastic is made from the polymerized acrylic monomer. It has the properties of light weight (density 0.90g/cm2), strong heat resistance (100-1200C), regular ductility and water resistance. The weak points are that it has poor stiffness in low temperature; and poor air resistance. Therefore, polypropylene plastic is fit to be used indoors. Recent years have seen the rapid development of polypropylene. Polypropylene, together with polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride, has become the main varieties of building plastic. Pipes and gutters.

High density polypropylene (HDPP)

High density polypropylene (HDPP), also called polypropene is a thermoplastic polymer, made up of the monomer, propylene. It can be manufactured as a dense product that has high resistance to chemical cleansers but also relatively lightand flexible with a low melting point between 130 and 170 degrees C.

Polypropylene (PP) is a commonly used material for packaging, automotive parts and textiles, whilst HDPP is commonly used to manufacture pipes as an alternative to high density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is naturally greater resistance to UV but HDPP can contain additives that increases its UV stability. HDPP can become more brittle at lower temperatures and poorer resistance to oils than HDPE.

Polypropylene (PP) including High density polypropylene (HDPP) comes under category 5 in the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system for plastic classification, where as high density polyethylene (HDPE) falls in category 2. To differentiate between the two under a burn test ,HDPP tends to smell of petroleum whilst HDPE smells more of melted candlewax.

[edit] 6 PS

[edit] Polystyrene (PS)

PS plastic such as expanded polystyrene is made from the polymerized styrene monomer. It has the merits of good light transmittance, easy pigmentation, better chemical stability, water resistance, light resistance, easy processing, and low price. However, polystyrene plastic has the disadvantages of weak stiffness, poor impact toughness, weak heat resistance and easy flammability. These weak points set restrictions to its uses.

[edit] Expanded polystyrene (EPS)

[edit] extruded polystyrene (XPS)

[edit] oriented polystyrene (OPS)

[edit] High Impact Polystyrene, or HIPS

[edit] polystyrene foam

[edit] regular polystyrene plastic

[edit] polystyrene film.

[edit] 7 Other

[edit] Polyamides (PA) / Nylon

Polyamides or Nylon are a class of thermoplastics with high performances there are many and with fiffereing characteristics, the most common are PA6, PA66 , PA11, PA12 , PA46. Polyamides contain repeating amide linkages i.e. –CO-NH–. It is formed by condensing identical units, copolymers with different units.Exhibiting high temperature and electrical resistances, polyamides (nylon) are considered as high performance plastics and are widely used in automotive & transportation markets, consumer goods and electrical and electronics applications among others

[edit] Polyphthalamides (PPA)

Polyphthalamide (PPA) is a semicrystalline, aromatic polyamide with high performance.,

[edit] High Performance Polyamides (HPPA)

High Performance Polyamides (HPPA)are a subset of thermoplastic synthetic resins in the polyamide (nylon) family Aliphatic diacids are substituted by aromatic diacids in the polymer backbone increasing melting point, glass transition temperature, chemical resistance and stiffness, used tp replace metals requiring high temperature resistance, such as automotive powertrain components, the housing for high temperature electrical connectors and many other uses.

[edit] Polycarbonate plastic (PC)

PC is a high-performance, sustainable thermoplastic (it becomes liquid at its melting point rather than burning). Unlike thermoset plastics, thermoplastics can be heated, cooled and reheated again without significant degradation. This means they are suitable for be injection moulding and subsequent recycling.

[edit] Polymerized polymethyl methacrylate. (PMMA)

PMMA or Thermoplastic resin, also called organic glass more often acrylicwhich refers to chemicals that contain the acryloyl group, derived from acrylic acid, such as polyacrylonitrile and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Advantages of good light transmittance, high strength at low temperature, low water absorption, better heat resistance, better agingresistance, and easy to be processed. However, it has the disadvantages of poor abrasive resistance and high price. perspex.

[edit] Polyurethane (PUR)

Polyurethane (PUR) is a thermoset plastic material that is produced by carefully calculated reaction process in which two liquids are mixed and pressed into a mould.

[edit] Unsaturated Polyester (PES)

Unsaturated polyesters (PES) are the third-largest class of thermoset resins, formed by the reaction of dibasic organic acids and polyhydric alcohols while the saturated polyester resins are formed by the polycondesation reaction between multifunctional organic acids and multihydroxy alcohols. The condensation products (reactive resins) form very durable structures and coatings when cross-linked with reactive vinyl monomers such as styrene. They are mainly used in the production of fiber reinforced plastics and filled plastic products, including sanitary-ware, tanks, pipes, gratings, and high performance components for the marine and transportation industry such as closure and body panels, fenders, boat hulls/ decks etc

[edit] Silicon

Silicon is a naturally occurring element, with the molecular formula Si.

[edit] Silicone

Silicone is an inert synthetic compound that comes in a variety of forms (oil, rubber, resin). The main sources of silicone are natural origin silica stone (SiO2), water, and natural gas-derived methanol. From these materials, through complex chemical reactions, silicone is synthesized.

Typically, heat-resistant and rubber-like, they are present in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical applications, cookware and insulation.is made by combining the element silicon with other elements, such as oxygen. Silicone comes in many different forms, such as silicone oil, rubber and resin.

[edit] Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a colourless organic thermoplastic polymer in the polyaryletherketone(PAEK) family, used in engineering applications. PEEK is used bearings, pistons parts, pumps, compressor plate valves, and electrical cable insulations. It has ultra-high vacuum applications, so suitable for aerospace, automotive, medical and chemical industries.

[edit] Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene (PE) also known as polythene is made from the polymerized vinyl monomers, a simple compound with many variations, whose chemical formula is mostly (C2H4)n, it is polymerized to become a macromolecular compound via three methods; high, middle, and low-pressure processing. Polyethylene has low strength but good chemical stability and water resistance, whilst also being quite flexible at low temperatures, its resistance to ageing can be increased by adding carbon black.

Polyethylene is produced from ethylene which is typically obtained from petroleum or natural gas, as well as from less common renewable sources. Polyethylene has a wide range of uses, predominantly as packaging in the form of bags, sacks, films, geo-membranes, containers, pipes, and so on.

Polyethylene can pose problems for waste management as it is non-biodegradable and so accumulates in large quantities in landfill sites. If it is incinerated, it can, under some circumstance, produce harmful gaseous emissions. All of these different forms of PE, HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, LLDPE etc can be recycled however in reality the amount of recycling is relatively low, and new pipework generally has as little as 5% recycled content.

[edit] Chlorinated polyethylene (PE-C or CPE)

Chlorinated polyethylene (PE-C or CPE) is an inexpensive variation of polyethylene, where chlorine is substituted for some of the hydrogen atoms. CPE has a chlorine content from 34 to 44%. Due to its soft, rubbery texture, CPE is added to polyvinyl chloride to increase its impact and weather resistance, it is used for softening PVC foils. It can be crosslinked with peroxides to form an elastomer used in cable and rubber industries, When added to other polyolefins, it reduces the flammability and sometimes used as the outer layer of power cables.

[edit] Polyethylene MRS 100, 50yr @ 20o (PE100)

Other HDPE pipes are PE100 a Polyethylene version with a Minimum Required Strength (MRS) of 100 at 50 years and 20º according to ISO4427, theses are for high demands pipe applications.

[edit] Polyethylene MRS 80, 50yr @20o Polyethylene (PE80)

PE80 pipes, are for natural gas distribution networks with pressure rates of up to 4 bars, drinking water pipe with pressure rate up to 16 bar - sewers, outfall pipes, industrial pipes.

[edit] Polyethylene MRS 63, 50yr @ 20o (PE 63)

PE 63 which are drinking water medium pressure piping systems and irrigation system.

[edit] Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE)

Synthetic rubber (CSM). Chlorosulfonated polyethylene is a family of chlorinated elastomers. The materials is made by reacting polyethylene with chlorine and sulfur dioxide to yield chlorosul-fonated polyethylene. The reaction changes the thermoplastic polyethylene into a synthetic elastomer that can be compounded and vulcanised.

[edit] Chloroprene (neoprene)

[edit] Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

[edit] Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

(PTFE) is a thermoplastic compound noted for its very significant chemical inertness and heatresistance. Commonly encountered as a non-stick coating for pots and pans it is sometimes referred to by the trade name ‘Teflon’ or 'Syncolon'. It is widely used for a variety of engineering and chemical applications.

[edit] Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

[edit] Polyester resin (PR)

PR is made by condensing diatomic or polybasic alcohol and diatomic or polybasic acid. Polyester resin has the properties of good bonding capacity, elasticity, better colourability, flexibility, heat resistance and water resistance.

[edit] Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)

[edit] Phenolic resin (PF)

PF is made by polymerizing phenol and aldehyde under the influence of acid catalyst or alkaline catalyst. Phenolic resin has better cohesion strength, light resistance, water resistance, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and electrical insulation. However, it has poor stiffness. Phenolic resin, added by filling material and curing agent, can be made into phenolic plastic. Phenolic plastic is smooth, strong, durable, and cheap. It has become a type of commonly used plastic.

[edit] Organic silicon (SI)

SI resin is made by hydrolysing of one or more types of organic silicon monomer. Organic silicon resin has the properties of heat resistance, cold resistance, water resistance, and corrosion resistance. However, it is poor in mechanical performance and cohesive force. These two weak points can be improved by adding synthetic resin (phenolic aldehyde, epoxy, and polyester), glass fiber, and asbestos, etc.

[edit] Ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE)

consists of modified copolymers of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene

[edit] Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam)

PS or Styrofoam plastic is made from the polymerized styrene monomer. It has the merits of good light transmittance, easy pigmentation, better chemical stability, water resistance, light resistance, easy processing, and low price.

However, polystyrene plastic has the disadvantages of weak stiffness, poor impact toughness, weak heat resistance and easy flammability. These weak points set restrictions to its uses.

[edit] Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) belong to a class of chemicals that are added to certain manufactured products in order to reduce the chances that the products will catch on fire. Studies showed they can impact neurodevelopment in children, including impaired cognitive development (comprehension, memory), impaired motor skills, increased impulsivity, and decreased attention. The substance is banned by the Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, adopted in 2003 by the Council and European Parliament together with - and as a complement to - the Directive on Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

[edit] Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)

Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) belong to a class of chemicals that are added to certain manufactured products in order to reduce the chances that the products will catch on fire. In animal studies, these chemicals have shown some effects on the thyroid and liver, as well as on brain development. The substance is banned by the Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, adopted in 2003 by the Council and European Parliament together with - and as a complement to - the Directive on Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

[edit] Ethyl or Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)

Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), also called polyethylene-vinyl acetate (PEVA), is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. It has rubber-like qualities of softness and flexibility, good clarity and gloss, tough at low-temperature, stress and crack resistant, waterproof and resistance to UV radiation. There are three different types of EVA copolymer, depending on the vinyl acetate (VA) content and use.

Low (4% VA) EVA copolymer or vinyl acetate modified polyethylene, is a thermoplastic material similar to low density polyethylene but with increase gloss, softness and flexibility, considered non-toxic.

Medium (4 to 30% VA) copolymer or thermoplastic ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and is a thermoplastic elastomer material. Not vulcanized but has some of the properties of a rubber or of plasticized polyvinyl chloride particularly at the higher end of the range. Both filled and unfilled EVA materials have good low temperature properties and are tough. The materials with approximately 11% VA are used as hot melt adhesives.

High (over 60% VA) copolymer or ethylene-vinyl acetate rubber has a distinctive vinegar odour and competitive with rubber and vinyl polymer products in many electrical applications.

[edit] Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Derived from biomass rather than petroleum, PLA will biodegrade much quicker than most plastics. As a biodegradable, it’s ideal for uses from takeaway food containers and cups to sensitive medical applications as implants, rods and screws.

[edit] Composites

• Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP). Shuttering
• Carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP).
• Glass-fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP).
• Aramid fibres, such as Kevlar, that are heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibres often used in aerospace and the military applications.
• Bio-derived polymers or biocomposites.
• PVC polyestyer.
• PTFE glass.

Some of the main types of plastic used in construction include:

• Acrylic.
• Composites.
• Expanded polystyrene.
• ETFE.
• Polycarbonate.
• Polyethylene.
• Polypropylene.
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
• PTFE.

Some of these plastics main uses in the construction industry are:

Bisphenol A (BPA), polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins found in many plastic products, including food storage containers.

PFAS (per- and polyfuoroalkyl substances) are a large group of chemicals used widely in industrial applications, such as frefghting foam, nonstick pans, paper, and textile coatings.

Phthalates are used to make plastics more fexible; they are found in some food packaging, cosmetics, fragrances, children’s toys, and medical devices.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are used to make fame retardants for products such as furniture foam and carpet.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are used to make electrical equipment, such as transformers, and are in hydraulic fuids, heat transfer fuids, lubricants, and plasticizers.

There are several plastics manufactured for use in plastic pipework, the most common being , polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), and polypropylene (PP).

Pipes and gutters.

Windows and doors.

Shuttering

Wall linings

Floor covering

Ceiling panels.

Roof coverings.

Sinks, basins, baths, and showers.

Worktops

Insulation materials.

Membranes.

The advantages of using plastic in construction are that it is lightweight yet strong which makes it easier to transport and shift around sites. It is also resistant to rot and corrosion and has strong weather ability due to it being capable of achieving tight seals. Plastic can also be flexible, and is easily extruded, bent, molded, 3D printed, and so on. Plastic can also be easily removed and some plastics can be recycled.