PLASTIC

Module 10 Overview:
Plasticity is the general property of all materials which can
deform irreversibly without breaking but, in the class of

PLASTIC moldable polymers commonly known as “plastic”, this occurs

to such a degree that their actual name was derived from this
specific ability.

In our modern world today, we can see plastic everywhere,

Although plastics are not always visible in buildings, they are
CE104 used in a wide and growing range of applications,
including insulation, piping, window frames and interior design.

Construction This growth is mainly due to plastics' unique features, which

include: durability, resistance to corrosion, insulation, cost
efficiency and its hygienic property.
Materials &
Testing Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

Engr. Luis Alfonso R. Tanchico 1. Know meaning of plastic and its origin,
Special Lecturer 2. Know the classification of plastic,
Cel # 09169121330 3. Know the properties of plastic as a construction
latanchico@[Link] material,
4. Know the different types of plastic used in the
construction industry.
5. Know the advantages and disadvantages of plastic material,
6. Know the criteria of plastic materials in construction industry,
7. Know the different uses of plastic in construction industry,
8. Know the different plastic identification codes,
9. Know the principles of recycling plastic and
10. Know the different test on plastic.

Plastic
Plastic is the generic name for a family of synthetic materials, typically organic polymers of high molecular
mass and most commonly derived from petrochemicals. It is often a product of two or more components. It
is a material consisting of any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic compounds that are
malleable and so can be molded into solid objects. However, an array of variants are now made from
renewable materials such as polylactic acid from corn or cellulosics from cotton linters.
History of Plastic
The development of plastics has evolved from the use of natural plastic materials (e.g., chewing gum,
shellac) to the use of chemically modified, natural materials (e.g., natural rubber, nitrocellulose, collagen,
galalite) and finally to completely synthetic molecules (e.g., bakelite, epoxy, polyvinyl chloride). Early
plastics were bio-derived materials such as egg and blood proteins, which are organic polymers. In around
1600 BC, Mesoamericans used natural rubber for balls, bands, and figurines. Treated cattle horns were
used as windows for lanterns in the Middle Ages. Materials that mimicked the properties of horns were
developed by treating milk-proteins (casein) with lye.

In the nineteenth century, as industrial chemistry developed during the Industrial Revolution, many
materials were reported. The development of plastics also accelerated with Charles Goodyear's discovery
of vulcanization to thermoset materials derived from natural rubber.

Parkesine (nitrocellulose) is considered the first man-made plastic. The plastic material was patented by
Alexander Parkes, in Birmingham, England in 1856. It was unveiled at the 1862 Great International
Exhibition in London. Parkesine won a bronze medal at the 1862 World's fair in London. Parkesine was
made from cellulose (the major component of plant cell walls) treated with nitric acid as a solvent. The
output of the process (commonly known as cellulose nitrate or pyroxilin) could be dissolved in alcohol and
hardened into a transparent and elastic material that could be molded when heated. By incorporating
pigments into the product, it could be made to resemble ivory.

In 1897, the Hanover, Germany mass printing press owner Wilhelm Krische was commissioned to develop
an alternative to blackboards. The resultant horn-like plastic made from the milk protein casein was
developed in cooperation with the Austrian chemist (Friedrich) Adolph Spitteler (1846–1940). The final
result was unsuitable for the original purpose. In 1893, French chemist Auguste Trillat discovered the
means to insolubilize casein by immersion in formaldehyde, producing material marketed as galalith.

The world's first fully synthetic plastic was bakelite, invented in New York in 1907 by a Belgian chemist Leo
Baekeland by using phenol and formaldehyde. It was him, who coined the term 'plastics'.

After World War I, improvements in chemical technology led to an explosion in new forms of plastics, with
mass production beginning in the 1940s and 1950s (around World War II). Among the earliest examples in
the wave of new polymers were polystyrene (PS), first produced by BASF in the 1930s, and polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), first created in 1872 but commercially produced in the late 1920s. In 1923, Durite Plastics
Inc. was the first manufacturer of phenol-furfural resins. In 1933, polyethylene was discovered by Imperial
Chemical Industries (ICI) researchers Reginald Gibson and Eric Fawcett.

In 1954, polypropylene was discovered by Giulio Natta and began to be manufactured in 1957, expanded
polystyrene (used for building insulation, packaging, and cups) was invented by Dow Chemical.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)'s discovery is credited to employees of the Calico Printers' Association in
the UK in 1941; it was licensed to DuPont for the USA and ICI otherwise, and as one of the few plastics
appropriate as a replacement for glass in many circumstances, resulting in widespread use for bottles in
Europe.

Many chemists have contributed to the materials science of plastics, including Nobel laureate, Hermann
Staudinger who has been called "the father of polymer chemistry" and Herman Mark, known as "the father
of polymer physics".

Due to their low cost, ease of manufacture, versatility, and imperviousness to water, plastics are used in a
multitude of products of different scale, including paper clips and spacecraft. They have prevailed over
traditional materials, such as wood, stone, horn and bone, leather, metal, glass, and ceramic, in some
products previously left to natural materials.
In developed economies, about a third of plastic is used in packaging and roughly the same in buildings in
applications such as piping, plumbing or vinyl siding. Other uses include automobiles (up to 20% plastic),
furniture, and toys. In the developing world, the applications of plastic may differ — 42% of India's
consumption is used in packaging.

The success and dominance of plastics starting in the early 20th century has led to environmental concerns
regarding its slow decomposition rate after being discarded as trash due to its composition of large
molecules. Toward the end of the century, one approach to this problem was met with wide efforts toward
recycling.

Classification of Plastic:
One important classification of plastics is by the permanence or impermanence of their form, or whether
they are: thermoplastics or thermosetting polymers. Thermoplastics are the plastics that, when heated, do
not undergo chemical change in their composition and so can be molded again and again. Examples
include: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Common
thermoplastics range from 20,000 to 500,000 amu, while thermosets are assumed to have infinite
molecular weight.

Thermosets, or thermosetting polymers, can melt and take shape only once: after they have solidified, they
stay solid. In the thermosetting process, a chemical reaction occurs that is irreversible. The vulcanization of
rubber is an example of a thermosetting process: before heating with sulfur, the polyisoprene is a tacky,
slightly runny material; after vulcanization, the product is rigid and non-tack

Properties of Plastics as a Construction Material

Each plastic material has its own peculiar properties to suit its particular uses. The success of plastic as an
engineering material will depends up on the selection of variety of plastic. Following are the general
properties of plastic.

 Appearance of Plastics
In the market there are so many types of models of plastics are available such as transparent, colored etc.
suitable pigments are added in the process of manufacturing of plastic material to get these different
properties. So, these will give good appearance to the structure and makes it attractive.

 Chemical Resistance of Plastics

Plastics offer great resistance against chemicals and solvents. Chemical composition of plastics during
manufacturing will decide the degree of chemical resistance. Most of the plastics available in the market
offer great corrosion resistance. So, corrosive metals are replaced by plastic in the case of water carrying
pipes, etc.

 Cost Effectiveness

As is the case in most industries these days, cost is an important factor in any construction project. Many
plastic materials are very economical.

 Dimensional Stability
Thermo-plastic types of plastics can be easily reshaped and reused. But in the case of thermo-setting type
plastics, it is not possible to reshape or remold the material.

 Ductility of Plastics
Ductile nature of plastic is very low. When tensile stress are acting on plastic member they may fail without
any prior indication.
  Durability of Plastics
Many plastic materials are as strong as if not stronger than certain metals. Plastic hardware is also
frequently corrosion resistant, allowing it to survive outside in inclement weather indefinitely. Plastics with
sufficient surface hardness are having good durability. Sometimes, plastics may affected by termites and
rodents especially in the case of thermo-plastic types, however it is not a serious problem because of no
nutrition values in plastic.

 Electric Insulation
Plastics are good electric insulators. So they are used as linings for electric cables and for electronics tools.

 Energy Saving
Plastic consumes less heat than metal. The insulating effects of some plastics can also decrease sound
pollution level.

 Finishing
Any type of finishing treatment van be given to the plastics. Mass production of plastic particles with
uniformity of surface finish is done by having technical control during manufacturing.

 Fire Resistance
The resistance to temperature or fire for varieties of plastics considerably varies depending upon the
structure. Plastics made of cellulose acetate are burnt slowly. PVC made plastics do not catch fire easily.
Plastics made of phenol formaldehyde and urea formaldehyde are fire proof materials.

 Fixing
Fixing of plastic materials is so easy. It is easy to install, we can bolt, drill or glued to fix plastic material
position.

 Humidity
The plastics made up of cellulosic materials are affected by the presence of moisture. The plastics made of
poly vinyl chloride (PVC pipes) offers great resistance against moisture.

 Maintenance
Maintaining of plastics are so simple. Because they do not need any surface finishing coats or paints etc.

 Melting Point
Generally plastics have very low melting point. Some plastics may melt at just 50oC. So, they cannot be
used in the positions of high temperature. Thermo setting type of plastics are having high melting point than
thermo plastic type plastics. However, thermo setting types are cannot used for recycling. To improve the
heat resistance of the plastics, glass fiber reinforcement is provided in its structure.

 Optical Property
There are so many types of plastics. Some plastics are transparent which allows light in its original direction
and some are translucent nothing but semi-transparent which allows light but changes light rays direction.

 Recycling of Plastics
Unlike metals, some plastics can be recycled without losing any chemical properties and hence can be
used over and over again. Disposal of plastics in the environment causes severe pollution. But it is not a
serious problem because of its recycling property. We can use plastic waste disposal conveniently to
produce drainage pipes, fencing, hand rails, carpets, benches etc.

 Sound Absorption
By the saturation of phenolic resins we can produce acoustic boards. These acoustic boards are sound
absorbents and provide sound insulation. Generally for theatres, seminar halls this type of acoustic ceilings
are used.
  Strength

Practically we can say that plastic is strong material but ideal section of plastic which is useful for structural
component is not designed yet. Generally by reinforcing fibrous material into plastic improves its strength. If
the strength to weight ratio of plastic is same as metals, then also we cannot give preference to plastics
because of various reasons like, heavy cost, creep failure may occur, poor stiffness and sensitive against
temperature.

 Thermal Property
The thermal conductivity of plastics is very low and is similar to wood. So, foamed and expanded plastics
are used as thermal insulators.

 Weather Resistance
Most of the plastics except some limited varieties are capable of resistance against weathering. But, major
problem is plastics when the plastics are exposed to sunlight, they are seriously affected by ultra violet rays
and gets brittle. To prevent this, plastics are incorporated by fillers and pigments which helps to absorb or
reflect the UV rays to surface.

 Weight of Plastics
The Plastics have low specific gravity generally ranges from 1.3 to 1.4. So they are light in weight and
easily transportable to any place in a large quantity.

Plastic in Construction Industry

There are many families of plastics and polymers being used in construction industry. Examples of plastics
used in buildings are:

 Acrylic

Acrylic or polyacrylate is made of thermoplastics and is weather resistant. It is 5 times stronger than glass
but is prone to scratches. It has excellent optics, is softer than glass but can accumulate a lot of dust. This
is extensively used in to make playhouses, green house etc. They are noted for their transparency,
resistance to breakage, and elasticity. It is commonly used in cosmetics such as nail polish and as an
adhesive.

 Composites

Composites are formed by combining materials together to form an overall structure with properties that
differ from the sum of the individual components

A composite material (also called a composition material or shortened to composite, which is the common
name) is a material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or
chemical properties that, when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the
individual components. The individual components remain separate and distinct within the finished
structure, differentiating composites from mixtures and solid solutions.

The new material may be preferred for many reasons: common examples include materials which are
stronger, lighter, or less expensive when compared to traditional materials .

An example of composite material is Glass-reinforced plastics (GRP), It is manufactured by combining

hundreds of glass strands together using a pigmented thermosetting UV resin and are also used to produce
house building components such as roofing laminate, canopies etc. The material is light and easy to
handle. It is used in the construction of composite housing and insulation to reduce heat loss.
  Epoxy

Epoxy is a thermosetting polymer made from a monomer that contains at least two epoxide groups
(adhesive and curing agent or hardener) that possesses unique mechanical and resistance properties.

Epoxy resin types include those based on the diglyceryl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA); cycloaliphatic with
saturated ring structures; epoxy novolaks based on phenol and formaldehyde; and tetrafunctional epoxies
such as tetra glycidyl diamino diphenyl methane (TGDDM).

Different grades of epoxy resin may be blended to achieve desired properties or reduce overall costs.

 Polystyrene

Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer made from the monomer styrene.
Polystyrene can be solid or foamed. General-purpose polystyrene is clear, hard, and rather brittle. It is an
inexpensive resin per unit weight. It is a rather poor barrier to oxygen and water vapor and has a relatively
low melting point. Polystyrene is one of the most widely used plastics, the scale of its production being
several million tons per year. Polystyrene can be naturally transparent, but can be colored with colorants.
Uses include protective packaging (such as packing peanuts and CD and DVD cases), containers (such as
"clamshells"), lids, bottles, trays, tumblers, disposable cutlery and in the making of models.

As a thermoplastic polymer, polystyrene is in a solid (glassy) state at room temperature but flows if heated
above about 100 °C, its glass transition temperature. It becomes rigid again when cooled. This temperature
behavior is exploited for extrusion (as in Styrofoam) and also for molding and vacuum forming, since it can
be cast into molds with fine detail.

Polystyrene is slow to biodegrade and is therefore a focus of controversy among environmentalists. It is

increasingly abundant as a form of litter in the outdoor environment, particularly along shores and
waterways, especially in its foam form, and also in increasing quantities in the Pacific Ocean.

 Polycarbonate

Polycarbonates (PC) are a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical
structures. Polycarbonates used in engineering are strong, tough materials, and some grades are optically
transparent. They are easily worked, molded, and thermoformed. Because of these properties,
polycarbonates find many applications. This elastic plastic is 300 times stronger than glass, is resistant to
most chemicals, is twice as lighter than class, has high abrasion and impact resistance. It can transmit as
much light as glass without many distortions. Applications include window, green house glazing etc.

Polycarbonates do not have a unique resin identification code (RIC) and are identified as "Other", 7 on the
RIC list. Products made from polycarbonate can contain trace quantities of the precursor monomer
bisphenol A (BPA). This chemical may seep into food and at a high concentration and may have effects on
the brain, prostate and blood of fetuses and children.

 Polyethylene

Polythene either Polyethylene (PE) or Poly-methylene is the most common plastic. As of 2017, over 100
million tons of polyethylene resins are produced annually, accounting for 34% of the total plastics market.
Its primary use is in packaging (plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes, containers including bottles,
etc.). Many kinds of polyethylene are known, with most having the chemical formula (C2H4)n. PE is usually
a mixture of similar polymers of ethylene with various values of n. Polyethylene is a thermoplastic; however,
it can become a thermoset plastic when modified (such as cross-linked polyethylene).

Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is a plastic with high strength and corrosion resistance. It has high
energy radiation resistance properties, it is strong, self-cleaning and recyclable.
  Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP), also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of
applications. It is produced via chain-growth polymerization from the monomer propylene.

Polypropylene belongs to the group of polyolefins and is partially crystalline and non-polar. Its properties
are similar to polyethylene, but it is slightly harder and more heat resistant. It is a white, mechanically
rugged material and has a high chemical resistance. Polypropylene is the second-most widely produced
commodity plastic (after polyethylene) and it is often used in packaging and labeling. In 2013, the global
market for polypropylene was about 55 million tons.

 Polyvinyl chloride

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a high strength thermoplastic polymer and is the world's third-most widely
produced synthetic plastic polymer, after polyethylene and polypropylene. About 40 million tons are
produced per year.

PVC comes in two basic forms: rigid (sometimes abbreviated as RPVC) and flexible. The rigid form of PVC
is used in construction for pipe and in profile applications such as doors and windows. It is also used in
making bottles, non-food packaging, and cards (such as bank or membership cards). It can be made softer
and more flexible by the addition of plasticizers, the most widely used being phthalates. In this form, it is
also used in plumbing, electrical cable insulation, imitation leather, flooring, signage, phonograph records,
inflatable products, and many applications where it replaces rubber. With cotton or linen, it is used to make
canvas.

Pure polyvinyl chloride is a white, brittle solid. It is insoluble in alcohol but slightly soluble in tetrahydrofuran
vinyl Chloride.

Advantages of Plastics

 Plastics are strong yet lightweight, and so they are easy to transport & maneuver.
 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, molding etc.
 They can be given any range of colors 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.

Disadvantages and Limitations of Plastics

 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.
Use of Plastics in Different Aspects of the Construction Industry

 Flooring

Plastic materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene are used to make flooring less prone to
wear and tear. It also decreases the sound pollution level and can be cleaned easily. (Flooring tiles & Rolls)

 Roofing

To protect the outer surface of the roof from damage, two layers of different plastic materials are required.
The upper part is made of colored thermoplastic olefin or vinyl while the lower part consists of polyurethane
foam which consumes less energy and keeps the interior of a house cooler. (Domes / sky lights: Opaque
as well as transparent.)

 Insulation

Polyurethane spray is frequently used for insulation when constructing green or low energy buildings. Rigid
polyurethane foam is known for its high thermal resistance which promotes temperature consistency.
Polyurethane foam is also popular because it is lightweight, chemical resistant, and flame retardant. Due
to its closed cell nature, polyurethane insulation performs as an air barrier, resulting in significant energy
savings. (Insulation materials: PVC sheets, insulating membranes, PVC Insulation on cables, Insulation
Tapes.)
  Pipes

Commonly made up of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), CPVC, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene
(PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene resin (PPR)
plastic pipes are made rigid or flexible and very light in weight, making them easy to install. All of these
plastic materials are also highly chemical and water resistant, making them suitable for many extreme
environments. (Electrical Conduits, Rain Water & Sewage pipes, Plumbing, Gas Distributions)

 Walls

A structural insulated panel (SIP) is a sandwich of expanded polystyrene amidst two slim layers of oriented
strand board. This type of pre-fab, composite wall board can be transferred to the work place easily for a
particular task and provide good support to columns and other associated essentials during renovation.

 Doors/Windows

Some construction projects use doors made from a stiff polyurethane foam core with a fiber reinforced
plastic (FRP) coating. The sandwich structure of these doors makes them incredibly strong.

Polycarbonate is used to manufacture building windows. This plastic material is strong, clear and very light
in weight. Polycarbonate windows are considered more burglar-proof than regular glass windows. Two
plastics materials, vinyl and fiberglass, are used commonly in the production of window frames. Fiberglass
is extremely strong while vinyl is quite durable and also inexpensive.
  Other plastic products in construction

Storage tanks, Hardware accessories (Washers, Nut bolts, Sleeves, Anchoring wires) and temporary
structures (Guard cabins, Portable toilets, Tents, etc.)

Plastic Identification Codes:

There are many different types of plastic and most plastic items will have a plastic code stamped on it
somewhere. Here is a table showing the different types of plastic identification codes and general uses:

Recycling Plastic

Plastic is one of the most popular and useful materials of modern times: we now use about 20 times more
plastic than we did 50 years ago. Although plastic is becoming popular in construction industry, As with any
commodity, the proper way to deal with the over-consumption of plastic is to minimize the use of it.
Reduction is the key. The mantra that many Plastic Free Communities use is REDUCE, REUSE,
REFUSE, RECYCLE – with recycling being the last resort. However plastic’s popularity and widespread
use is why, handling it responsibly and correctly, once it becomes waste is so vitally important. We can
optimize the lifespan of plastics by re-using and recycling items as many times as possible.

There is still a knowledge gap between the general public and plastic and plastic recycling, key ones
being…
 Types of plastic and what plastics can and cannot be recycled – are you clear on this?
 What is ‘valuable’ plastic and what is ‘contaminating’ plastic?

Almost all plastic can be recycled – but it is just not always economical to do so.
Bottles attract the best prices, especially clear ones, which is why almost all councils recycle them. Colored
plastic is less desirable because the color cannot be removed restricting its reusability and polystyrene is
almost never recycled because there is no market for it.

Most bottles will be sent for reprocessing, but plastic that is less valuable – about two-thirds collected for
recycling – ends up in landfill or incinerated. This is either because it is currently not possible to recycle,
individuals don’t take it to be recycled or local authorities don’t accept it.

As mentioned earlier, there are seven different plastic identification codes and some are recycled more
often than others.

Yes, recycle these…

Where you’ll find them:

 #1: Soft drink bottles, water bottles, peanut butter jars, salad
dressing, cooking oil, many cleaning products. Food take-out
containers, microwaveable trays and plastic cups.
 #2: Milk and juice jugs, bleach, laundry detergent, shampoo,
motor oil, some retail bags and trash bags, some yogurt and butter
tubs, cereal box liners.

Recycling codes #1 and #2 are the most widely accepted. Bottles are mainly made of PET and HDPE and
these are easy to collect and recycle. Recycling centers have the equipment to process these plastics, and
there are plenty of manufacturers willing to buy them
These plastics are recycled into new plastic containers, tote bags, fleece clothing, carpet, furniture,
paneling, pips, lumber, benches, fencing, dog houses and picnic tables.

Often recyclable, but not always…

Where you’ll find them:

 #4: Most grocery store bags, plastic wraps, frozen food bags,
bread bags, 6-pack rings, squeezable bottles, aseptic packaging.
Some carrier bags and cling film, is easy to process but more
difficult to sort and can often be contaminated with food
 #5: Yogurt containers, straws, fast-food syrup containers,
disposable diapers, disposable cups and plates, ketchup squeeze
bottles, some baby bottles and outdoor carpet.

These plastics are recycled into things like plastic lumber, floor tile, trash cans and liners, compost bins,
shipping envelopes, plastic brooms, rakes, trays, hair brushes, ice scrapers, bike racks, battery cables and
signal lights.

Almost never recyclable, but do check…

Where to find them:

 #3: makes up small amount of packaging but

can contaminate other plastic recycling
 #6: is used to make some yoghurt pots and
plastic cutlery, is not widely recycled
 #7: Biscuit wrappers and meat trays can be
made from a mixture of many different types of
plastic, making them the most difficult type of
packaging to recycle
It is difficult to recycle these plastics into other products or, in some cases, it is just not economically
feasible to do so. Still, do check with your local recycling facility because some cities do accept one or more
of these codes and as technology improves, more cities will do so.

Contamination of plastic
Some plastics can contaminate the recycling stream. Most food packaging and other plastics are stamped
with a recycling symbol, even if they are often not accepted for recycling. Plastics can also often become
too contaminated for recycling and have to, again, be sent to landfill or incinerated. This happens for
several reasons:

 People are confused about what goes in which bin

 People are not always very careful about what they put in
 The plastic is contaminated with food waste
 In areas where all recycling is collected in one bin, one type of waste can contaminate another

The problem is that if we throw non-recyclable plastics into the recycling bin, they can contaminate the
entire recycling stream. Manufacturers who buy the recycled plastic will pay less for contaminated plastics,
or they won’t buy them at all.

Just like any other business, recycling facilities operate on sales revenue. Low quality plastics sell for lower
prices, and that lower revenue makes it harder for the recycler to provide us with their invaluable service.

Physical and Mechanical Tests of Polymers (Plastics):

Physical and mechanical testing of polymers ensures that material complies with the construction industry
specification. In this subject, we will not be discussing the details on the test on polymers.
The following are Polymer Physical and Mechanical Tests:

 Mechanical testing including tensile, flexural, shear and compressive properties

 Physical testing including density, hardness and scratch resistance
 Thermal testing including DSC, DMTA,TMA, TGA, HDT and Vicat Softening Points
 Rheological testing including capillary, rotational, Melt Flow Rate/Index and DSV
 Barrier including WVTR, OTR and various gases
 Weathering and Chemical Resistance testing including UV, temperature, humidity, repeated
sterilization and environmental impact
 Adhesion property testing
 Flammability testing for building specifications
 Optical testing including color, haze and gloss
 Electrical testing

Summary:

Plastic is the generic name for a family of synthetic materials which is often a product of two or more
materials, most commonly derived from petrochemicals whose name itself is derived from its plastic
property.
In our modern world today, we can see plastic everywhere, Although plastics are not always visible in
buildings, it is widely used due to its properties, such as economy, strength, weight, versatility, and
imperviousness to water etc., Plastics are used in a multitude of products. They have prevailed over
traditional materials, such as wood, stone, metal, glass, and ceramic, and other products previously left to
natural materials. They are used in a wide and growing range of applications, including insulation, piping,
window frames and interior design. The only problem with plastic is when exposed to direct sunlight, it
loses its mechanical properties, and its resistance to decay when it is no longer useful. We must implement
a sustainable development principle in order to maximize the use of plastic.
Feedback:

Prior to this learning module, you may think of plastic as an ordinary material used for plumbing and as
electrical conduit. You might not even think of what plastic is made of and the type of classification it belongs.

Upo n le ar nin g th in gs in this m o dule, yo u m us t alrea d y h ave a g ras p of ho w plas t i c pla ys

an im p ortant r ole in c ivil en gineerin g , s pec if ic ally, in c ivil work s c o ns tr uc tio n. T her e ar e
other m ater ials f or c ons tr uc tion a nd tes tin g m e tho ds to ass ure us o f its q ualit y tha t we m ight
not hav e d is c uss ed in this s ub je c t, b ut w e have c ov ered a llot , f rom aggr egates , bitum en,
c em en t, c onc rete, m et als , wood , g las s and plas tic. Ne w and adv anc ed c ons tr uc tion m a te ria ls
are being inve nt ed to da y a nd in the nea r f u tu re, we don ’t k n ow what our f utur e would be , but
it would b e fo r the be tte r f or s u re.

Suggested Reading:

Topics on Plastic in;

Simplified Methods on Building Construction, M. B. Fajardo Jr., 2001

Simplified Construction Estimate, M. B. Fajardo Jr., 2000

References:

Simplified Methods on Building Construction, M. B. Fajardo Jr., 2001

Simplified Construction Estimate, M. B. Fajardo Jr., 2000
The Internet