The term PLASTICS is essentially a stage.

They have a molecular structure in a

commercial classification to which no strict scientific 3-dimensional arrangement
definition can be applied. It is used to describe a
EXAMPLES OF THERMOPLASTICS
product of synthetic origin which is capable of being
shaped at some stage of its manufacture, but is not a. ACRYLIC
rubber, wood, leather or metal.
This material combines the transparency of
It is made from a number of common substances glass (but not scratch-proof quality) with plastics’
such as coal, salt, natural gas, cotton, wood and shatterproof quality. Used principally for skylights,
water, from which relatively simple chemicals known skydomes, safety glass, paints, adhesives, finish
as monomers are built up into chainlike molecules of hardware lighting fixtures
high molecular weight called polymers. These
polymers have low extensibility, can be molded, b. CELLULOSICS
extruded, cut or worked into a variety of shapes and primarily cellulose acetate or butyrate, used
objects, rigid or non-rigid, relatively light, which are principally for paints and lacquers, and transparent
formed by condensation polymerization and by vinyl sheeting.
polymerization.
c. POLYETHYLNE (PE)
Plastics can be hard, soft, clear, opaque, light, heavy,
heat resistant or easily softened by hot water. - Ziegler PE is a hard, strong, tough and rigid
thermoplastic for household and industrial
CLASSIFICATION OF PLASTICS applications.
In a broad sense, there are three (3) types of Plastics: - ICI PE developed by Imperial Chemical
- Cellulose plastics Industries of Britain is a high-pressure, low-density
PE that is flexible, tough and slightly resilient
- Synthetic resin plastics thermoplastic used in construction as pond or lagoon
lining, and water-vapor barriers and dampproofing.
- Plastics derived from proteins and natural resins
d. POLYSTYRENE

In spite of its sensitivity to solvent action, it

Synthetic resin plastics are subdivided into two (2)
is one of most important thermoplastics because of
classes:
its excellent transparency and rigidity and its easy
a. Thermoplastics moldability. It is non-water absorbent, it is found in
colorful, but brittle wall tiles. It is one of several
These plastics soften when heated and
plastics used in lighting fixture diffusers. In foam
harden when cooled regardless of the
form, it has become an important thermal insulator.
number of times the process is repeated.
Also found in paint for concrete.
They have a molecular structure which is
essentially linear or threadlike in form.

b. Thermosetting plastics

Sometimes called thermocuring plastics, set

into shape permanently when heat and
pressure are applied during the forming

Building Technology 1 – Architectural Building Materials_Handout – PLASTICS

Arranged by: Ar. Michael T. Tabao, UAP
 e. POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)

is a largely amorphous, g. POLYPROPYLENE

rigid, tough, solvent-resistant,
tough plastic with good resistance to heat
flame-resistant thermoplastic.
and chemical action.
Used for resilient floor tile, films,
pipes, and for paint lacquers,
adhesives and safety glass.

h. NYLONS

The term nylon refers to a

family of polymers called linear
polyamides. It is desired for the
following properties: exceptionally
strong, elastic, abrasion resistant,
easy to wash, resistant to damage
f. POLYCARBONATES from oil and many chemicals, can be
a family of linear polyesters, is a white, precolored or dyed in wide range of
substantially amorphous, very tough and strong colors, and resilient .
material with good heat resistance up to 150 deg C
and excellent dimensional stability. It is injection-
molded to produce plates, rods, gears, and other i. ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE (ABS)
shaped parts that advantageously replace die-cast ABS is a styrenic resin with improved
metal parts. Used for skylights. toughness and heat resistance. ABS exhibits
high gloss, low shrinkage, and good
dimensional stability, is widely used in
injection molding of appliances, furniture,
and automotive parts. ABS also has high melt
strength suitable for
the production of
extruded sheet, some
of considerable size and
thickness. Applications
include panels for large
appliances and
thermoformed items
Building Technology 1 – Architectural Building Materials_Handout – PLASTICS
Arranged by: Ar. Michael T. Tabao, UAP
 such as hot tubs and recreational vehicle
parts.
c. ALKYDS
EXAMPLES OF THERMOSETTING PLASTICS
These appear chiefly as molded electrical
a. MELAMINE and UREA parts, and as the vehicle in paints, lacquers,
and enamels .
These are hard, durable and dimensionally
stable, these similar plastics are resistant to
chemicals, electric potential, and heat.
Melamine is well
known for its use
in molded dishes,
while urea is
useful for
incandescent light
diffusion and for
baked enamels.

b. EPOXY d. PHENOLICS

used in buildings for its remarkable adhesive Commonly used for paints, baked enamels,
qualities. It may also be used for special paints that adhesives, impregnating resins for paper and
are chemically resistant and for special caulking wood, and finish hardware.
compounds.

e. POLYESTER

This plastic is most commonly used in large

glass-fiber reinforced translucent panels that
are strong, rigid, and impact-resistant. Also
used for impregnating paper and wood, as
laminating material, and for contact
adhesive.

Building Technology 1 – Architectural Building Materials_Handout – PLASTICS

Arranged by: Ar. Michael T. Tabao, UAP
 f. URETHANES As corrugated sheet, plastics make good
roofing material and other similar uses as sheet
used in paint coatings, and as foams, are self-
plastic.
adhesive.

b. FILM SHEETS

As water barrier or dampproofing material,

it is generally made of polyethylene and polyvinyl
and come in thicknesses ranging from 1 to 10 mils
(0.001 to 0.01 inch) and in rolls of 50’ length and 3’
to 40’ width.

For building construction, 2, 4 and 6 mils are

g. SILICONES most commonly used.

used for clear, water-repellant paints for Over tamped earth or sand fill, use 4 mil.
concrete and masonry surfaces above grade. Over gravel and stone, use 6 mil.

Use the widest width possible and lap 6”

(150mm) where necessary.

c. FOAM

Used as flotation material, thermal

insulators, and shock-resistant mountings. Offers
possibilities for lightweight materials of high strength

LAMINATES
PLASTICS SHEETS, FILM AND FOAM
Lamination is the process applied to paper or
a. SHEETS fabric impregnated with thermosetting resins.
Usually made of acrylate, polyester, or Cotton cloth and paper are used as filler
polystyrene plastics, either plain or reinforced with materials, usually in sheet forms, that are bonded
glass-fiber, are available in flat or corrugated sheets together by heat and pressure to form an integral
and various deformed shapes. body.
Thicknesses vary from 1.5mm to 2.38mm The thickness of the laminate is determined
(1/16 to 3/32 inches). by the number of sheets placed between the two
Plastic sheets can be used to replace glass in steel pans or platens of the press used in the process.
any type of windows or doors, skylights, shower Decorative laminates of various wood-grain,
enclosures, or in any area where a translucent, marble, and colored patterns are extensively used
transparent or opaque material in a wide variety of for tabletops and wall facings.
colors are needed in the interior.
Building Technology 1 – Architectural Building Materials_Handout – PLASTICS
Arranged by: Ar. Michael T. Tabao, UAP