PLASTICS

PLASTICS - An introduction
PLASTICS – An introduction

What are plastics?

Plastics are made from resin with or without

fillers, plasticisers and pigments.

These are organic materials of high molecular

weight which can be moulded to any desired
form when subjected to heat and pressure in
the presence of a catalyst.

Plastics are replacing glass, ceramics and

other building materials due to the low
temperature range in which they can be
brought to the plastic state and the
consequent ease of forming and fabrication
and also for their low cost and easy
availability.

PLASTICS
PLASTICS – An introduction

All plastics are polymers of carbon

compounds. They are compounds of
carbon with other elements like hydrogen,
oxygen, nitrogen etc.

They are called plastics because their resins

are capable of plastic deformation when
heat and pressure are applied on them.

Their large molecules are loosely tangled

together and hence they are light in weight,
they lack stiffness, it is tough and has good
tensile strength.

A variety of can be manufactured by

changing their composition, length and
character of their chains.

PLASTICS
PLASTICS – An introduction

Principle uses of plastics

PLASTICS – An introduction

Principle uses of plastics

PLASTICS
PLASTICS – A history
HISTORY OF PLASTICS

• CELLULOSE – Invented by Schonbein in 1846

• PARKESITE – first plastic invented by Alexander perkes in 1865 by

mixing camphor and alcohol with nitrocellulose

• CELLULOSE – Developed further by John Wesley Hyatt in 1890

• CASEIN PLASTIC – Invented by Adolph Spitter

• BAKELITE - Developed in 1909 by Dr. Bakeland.

• NATURAL PLASTICS – Shellac or Resin

• SYNTHETIC PLASTICS

• AMINOPLASTICS - Invented by Pollak from urea and

formaldehyde which is transparent like glass and unbreakable

PLASTICS
POLYMERIZATION
POLYMERISATION

Polymerisation may be defined as

the union of two smaller
molecules of similar or different
compounds resulting in the
formation of new complex
molecule.

This process of producing resins of POLYMERIZATION - A polymeric material consists of a large number of
these long chain molecules as shown
plastics is called polymerization.
The product is called a polymer.
Rubber is a polymer but made by a
naturally with the help of sunlight.

Plastics are formed by

polymerization by the following
methods

1.Addition polymerization
2.Condensation polymerization
3.Co-polymerization

PLASTICS
POLYMERISATION

The simplest substances consisting of one primary

chemical are known as monomers. They are
combined or synthesized to form polymers by
polymerization. A polymer molecule is called as
macromolecule.
Linear structures – long chain
molecules are being separated from
Polymers are classified based on the shape of the each other. Polymers having this type
macromolecules as shown. of structure get strength from the
inter-winning of the molecules.

Branched chain – branches of Cross linked structure – chains Networking structures – this type of
monomers are added on to the linear adjacent to each other are linked structure is being formed by
chain of macromolecule. The ratio of together. Hence it restricts the trifunctional and tetrafunctional
length of main chain to that of the movement between chains and monomers. In this structure, it is
side chain s not constant. The therefore, some mechanical difficult to distinguish individual
number of branches may vary. properties of material are altered molecular chains
PLASTICS
 POLYMERIZATION
Plastic forming process
POLYMERISATION - TYPES

1. Addition polymerization

The same molecules are added to form a

bigger molecule. Polyvinyl chloride,
poly-propylene, polystyrene,
polyacrylates and polythene are
examples of compounds made by
addition polymerization

E.g. Ethane (a carbon compound) is pased

under pressure into a inert solvent
containing Zieger catalyst to form the
polymer. As a result a high density form
of ethane called as POLYTHENE or
POLYETHENE with a softening point of
130°C is produced.

This process sometimes takes days to

complete. There is no loss of substance
during this process.

PLASTICS
POLYMERISATION - TYPES

2. Condensation polymerization

In this process a large number of identical

of different molecules combine and a
low molecular substance is removed.

This process takes a few seconds to

complete. Some of the industrially
important by-products such as HCl, H20
are produced by condensation
polymerization.

Examples of polymers formed by

condensation polymerization are
terylene, carbamide, melamine-
formaldehyde, phenolformaldehyde
and nylon.

E.g. TERYLENE is synthesized when alcohol,

ethane, glycol and a benezene
derivation are heated together and
water molecules (low molecular PLASTICS
POLYMERISATION - TYPES

3. Co-polymerization

In this process, two or more different

monomers are added together to form
a polymer.

A co-polymer may have properties quite

different from those of either
compound member.

Examples of this type of polymerization are

vinly chloride acetate and butadiene-
styrene co-polymers.

PLASTICS
CLASSIFICATION of PLASTICS
CLASSIFICATION of PLASTICS

Plastics are classified as follows

1.BASED ON THEIR BEHAVIOR WITH RESPECT TO HEATING

a) Thermoplastic
b) Thermosetting plastic

2.STRUCTURE
a) Homogeneous plastic – they are composed of carbon atoms & exhibit a
homogenous structure
b) Heterogeneous plastic – they are composed of chains containing carbon, oxygen
and nitrogen and exhibit a homogeneous structure.

3.PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

a) Rigid plastics – they have high modulus of elasticity and retain their shape under
exterior stress at normal or moderately increased temperature.
b) Semi-rigid plastics – they have a medium modulus of elasticity. When pressure is
removed, their elongation completely disappears.
c) Soft plastics – they have low modulus of elasticity. Elongation under pressure
disappears slowly when pressure is removed.
d) Elastomers – they are soft and elastic with a low modulus of elasticity. They deform
under load at room temperature and return to their original shape when load is
removed. Their extensions can range up to ten times their original dimensions.
PLASTICS
THERMOPLASTICS

The thermoplastic variety softens on heating and hardens on cooling, i.e., their hardness is
a temporary property subjected to change with rise or fall of temperature and can be
brought again to plastic stage on heating. These are formed by addition polymerisation
and have long chain molecular structure. They can be remoulded, for use, as many times
as required. They are classified further as elastomers & gels.
Examples

•Material resins — rosin, kopal, amber, shellac;

•Cellulose derivatives — cellulose acetate,

cellulose nitrate, nitrocellulose or celluloid,
cellulose acetate-butyrate;

•Polythenic or VInyl resin —polyethylene,

polyVInyl chloride, polyVInyl acetate, VInyl
chloride = VInyl acetate, poly VInylidene chloride,
polystyrene, polymethyl methyacrylate or lucite
or plexiglass and polytetrafluoroethylene;

•Polyamides - Nylon 6:6, Nylon 6 and Nylon 11.

CLASSIFICATION of PLASTICS PLASTICS

THERMOSETTING PLASTICS

Thermosetting plastic cannot be reused. They require great pressure and momentary heat
during moulding and finally get hardened on cooling.

The chemical reaction in this process cannot be reversed. Once solidified they cannot be
softened. The thermosetting plastics acquire three-dimensional cross-linked structure with
predominantly strong covalent bonds during polymerization retaining strength even on
heating; under prolonged heating they fail by charring at 343°C.

They are hard, strong and durable, more brittle than themorplastics. They are available in
colors. They are soluble in alcohol & few organic solvents when they are in thermo-plastic
stage and hence used for making paints & varnishes.

EXAMPLES USES
•Phenolic resins or phenoplasts (bakelite), The principal uses are in electrical
•Amino resins, equipments, plugs, sockets,
•Polyester resins, switches, ash trays, knobs, handles,
•Epoxy resins and etc.
•Silicon resins.

CLASSIFICATION of PLASTICS PLASTICS

THERMOSETTING PLASTICS

CLASSIFICATION of PLASTICS PLASTICS

THERMOSETTING PLASTICS & THERMOPLASTICS

CLASSIFICATION of PLASTICS PLASTICS

PROPERTIES OF PLASTICS
& disadvantages
PLASTICS – Properties

1. Can be moulded to any desired shape or size and have high tensile and compressive
strengths.
2. Easy to work upon.
3. Light in weight and a few varieties are glossy like glass.
4. Not attacked by insects and fungi.
5. Available in desired colour and texture.
6. Require a little maintenance.
7. Good electrical insulators and have low thermal conductivity. They are far superior to
ordinary electrical insulators like wood.
8. Shock absorbing material.
9. They can be easily fixed in position. They can be bolted, sawn, drilled, glued, screw-
threaded or simple push-fitted in position.
10. High strength to weight ratio.
11. High resistance to weathering conditions by plastics prepared from phenolic resins.
12. High corrosion resistance and hence used to convey chemicals.

PLASTICS
PLASTICS – Properties

11. Decorative surface effect—painting or polishing of the surface is not required.

12. High refractive index.
13. Some varieties are as hard as steel.
14. Withstands moisture, oil and grease well.
15. Inflammable.
16. High coefficient of thermal expansion (about ten times of steel).
17. Deterioration under prolonged exposure to sun’s ultra-violet rays.
18. Low manufacturing cost, hence cheap.
19. They are stable under low temperature.
20. They have good dimensional stability as with other engineering materials.
21. It has good resistance to almost all chemicals, moisture & solvents.
22. They have an absorption co-efficient of 0.67. Plastic acoustical boards that are
impregnated with fiber glass & phenolic resins has an absorption co-efficient of 0.67.
23. they are light in weight and have low specific gravity of 1.3 to 1.4. this reduces
transport cost.

PLASTICS
PLASTICS – Disadvantages

1. Most of the plastics possess low heat resistance

2. They degenerate gradually and because of the effects of light, air and
temperature, they loose strength, become soft and get dull as time passes.

3. They exhibit high creep properties.

4. Most plastics have low ductility hence they may fail without warning.

5. All plastics cannot withstand high temperature.

6. They emit toxic fumes in case of exposure to fire / heat / high temperature

7. They have a high co-efficient of thermal expansion. It varies from 25 x 10 -6 to 120

x 10-6 as compared to steel which is 11 x 10-6

8. Not suitable for use as a structural element. They could be if used only with
embedded metals like steel.

9. Low melting point at 50°C – thermoplastics melt at low temperatures.

Thermosetting plastics are less affected by heat and burn at high temperature.
PLASTICS
STRENGTH OF PLASTICS
STRENGTH OF PLASTICS

Plastics are reasonable strong and their strength increases when various fibrous
materials (e.g. Steel) are reinforced to it. They can be used as tensile members as their
strength to weight ratio in tension very nearly approaches to that of metals.

Plastics also have good flexural strength.

The following considerations discourage use of plastic as structural material

•Plastics are subject to creep under constant heavy loads

•They are sensitive to changes in temperature
•Stiffness of plastics is very poor

PLASTICS
APPLICATION OF PLASTICS
AS A BUILDING MATERIAL
APPLICATION of PLASTICS as a building material

Plastics have innumerable applications either to substitute or protect other building

materials, or to improve the comfort conditions. However, because of relatively low
stiffness they are not used as primary load bearing materials.

Wall Facing Tiles : Polystyrene tiles have excellent water proofing properties and are used
for bathrooms, kitchens, lavatories, swimming pools and facing tiles.

FLOORING (PVC tiles / sheets)

It gives a resilient, decorative and non-porous surface which can be easily cleaned. The
material to conform to IS 3462-1966. the flooring consists of a blend of vinyl chloride
polymer or vinyl chloride co-polymer mixed with binder, filler, pigments and backed with
hessian or other woven fabrics. Rubber based adhesives are suitable for fixing PVC flooring
over concrete, wooden or metal subfloors.

•Flooring Tiles : Polyvinyl chloride synthetic resins used for floor tiles are nonabsorbent,
resistant to abrasion, wear and tear. Tiles are 1.5 to 0.5mm thk.

•Flooring Sheets : Mastics, prepared from synthetic resins such as polyvinyl acetate with
suitable plasticisers form decorative linoleum floor coverings. They are available as 2m x
20m rolls.

PLASTICS
Wall Facing Tiles
APPLICATION of PLASTICS as a building material

Doors & windows - as timber is becoming scarce and costly wood and door systems are
being replaced by thermovinyl polymer sections reinforced with steel. They are specially
used in coastal areas where corrosion of steel windows is a problem.

Roofing – corrugated plastic roofing sheets with and without fibre reinforcements are
extensively used for roofing of buildings. Sheets with reinforcements last longer. They are
treated on the exposed side to protect UV ray radiation.

Thermocol - it is a light cellular plastic material used for sound and heat insulation. It is
also used as formwork for concreting to form special features in the structure.

Water-proofing Membranes : Polythene and polyvinyl resins with suitable fillers and
plasticisers, oils and antipyrene compounds are used to make films which have high elastic
strength, rupture value and acid resisting properties. These films are used for damp
proofing courses, covering of concrete for curing, temporary protection from rain and
wind.

POLYETHYLENE – also known as polythene. There are two types available in the market:
low density type and high density type. Used for building storage tanks compounded with
black to make it resistant to UV rays.

PLASTICS
POLYETHYLENE
APPLICATION of PLASTICS as a building material

Laminated plastics / formica – laminated plastic sheets are used a a finish for cupboards,
tables as well as bathroom fittings. They are heat resistant. They consist of layers of paper
impregnated with thermosetting resins bonded under heat and pressure. Composite,
plywood and chipboard with decorate plastic laminates are available in the market. They
are dimensionally stable.

ACRYLICS / Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) / Perspex – it can be easily formed into

different shapes like domes, they are light in weight, only 45% of glass. But it has a high
breaking resistance (10 to 15 times) than glass. Available in different color and shades.
They are good insulators and reduce heat radiation by 50%. It also cut UV rays from the
sun and so could replace glass for windows. Used as external windows, skylights, sanitary
ware, roof lighting.

POLYCARBONATE – it is a modern plastic which is clear as glass and high impact strength.
It can replace glass and also available in various shades. Vandal-proofing glazing for tall
buildings becomes a possibility with this material. They are used for railway station
platform covering, shop windows and as a cover for paintings. Polycarbide is 250 times
tougher than glass so used for bulletproof protection in vehicles and podiums.

PLASTICS
POLYCARBONATE

ACRYLICS /
Polymethyl Methacrylate
(PMMA) / Perspex

Laminated plastics / formica

APPLICATION of PLASTICS as a building material

GFRP / Glass fiber reinforced polyesters – it is a combination of plastic and glass. it is used
extensively in building consturction as
•Mats made of fiberglass reinforced plastic are used a reinforcing membrane in
waterproofing and damp-proofing along with bitumen or with elastomer paints.
•The translucent sheets are used extensively for roof covering
•FRP water tanks are light, easy to install and can be used both on the inside and outside
of the building.
•Door, window frames, wall paneling, structural sections, temporary shutters, concrete
shutters, etc. can be made of this material by suitable fabrication.
•Carbon fiber and glass fibers with plastics are standard materials for strengthening RC
bridge, decks, and slabs.

PVC pipes – used extensively in water supply systems as they are cheap, termite proof,
good insulator, leak proof, not affected by pollution or sun’s radiation, water proof. They
are also used for tubewell construction as they can be buried even in corrosive soils.
Unplasticized PVC pipes can be used for transporting water at ordinary teperatures. They
are corrosion resistant. They are light in weight and easy to install.

PLASTICS
GFRP / Glass fiber reinforced polyesters PVC pipes
APPLICATION of PLASTICS as a building material

PLASTICS
APPLICATION of PLASTICS as a building material

ETHYLENE / poly (ethene-co-tetrafluoroethene) / ETFE - An example of its use is

as pneumatic panels to cover the outside of the football stadium Allianz Arena or
the Beijing National Aquatics Centre (a.k.a. the Water Cube of the 2008 Olympics) - the
world's largest structure made of ETFE film (laminate). The panels of the Eden Project are
also made of ETFE and the Tropical Islands have a 20,000 m² window made of
this translucent material.

Another key use of ETFE is for the covering of electrical and fiber optic wiring used in high
stress, low fume toxicity and high reliability situations. Aircraft and spacecraft wiring are
primary examples. Some small cross section wires like the wire used for the wire-
wraptechnique are coated with ETFE.

As a dual laminate, ETFE can be bonded with FRP as a thermoplastic liner, and used in
pipes, tanks, and vessels for additional corrosion protection.

ETFE is commonly used in the nuclear industry for tie or cable wraps, and in the aviation
and aerospace industries for wire coatings. This is because ETFE has better mechanical
toughness than PTFE. In addition, ETFE exhibits a high-energy radiation resistance and can
withstand moderately high temperatures for a long period of time.

PLASTICS
ETHYLENE / poly (ethene-co-tetrafluoroethene) / ETFE
APPLICATION of PLASTICS as a building material

POLYPROPOLYNE MESH FIBERS

1.Concrete pavement, bridge decks, airport pavements, factory floor and other works. The
service life of the project could be effectively extended (5-10 years extended life for intact
road).

2.Tunnel, mine walls, roof and so on. During concreting by spraying, the incorporation of
polypropylene mesh fiber will effectively reduce rebound rate of sprayed concrete, to
ensure rebound fall-off not to exceed 5 percent, improve construction efficiency and the
working environment which is conducive to promote wet spray technology.

3.Rivers, dams, reservoirs and other projects. Polypropylene mesh fiber improves cracking
resistance, impact resistance, wear resistance for concrete to extend the service life.

4.Military protective works, wharf revetment, pier. Polypropylene mesh fiber improves
exponentially the impact resistance of concrete to enhance safety and extend the service
life of such works.

PLASTICS
POLYPROPOLYNE MESH FIBERS
APPLICATION of PLASTICS as a building material

POLYPROPOLYNE

1.Glass reinforced polypropylene compounds are used in structural components that

require higher levels of stiffness, strength and heat resistance and are predominantly used
in a number of Automotive, Appliance and Furniture applications.

PLASTICS
End of lecture