Building Materials and Composites: Plastics
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of most synthetic plastics?

  • Animal hides
  • Crude oil or petroleum (correct)
  • Wood
  • Minerals

    • What process do monomers undergo to form polymers?

  • Synthesis
  • Polymerization (correct)
  • Hydrolysis
  • Molecular fusion

    • Which of the following is a disadvantage of synthetic plastics?

  • High thermal conductivity
  • Low malleability
  • High weight
  • Non-biodegradable nature (correct)

    • What type of bonding is present in Polypropylene?

    <p>Carbon hydrogen bonding</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic allows plastics to be molded into different shapes?

    <p>Malleability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the primary components of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)?

    <p>Carbon, chlorine, and hydrogen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which material is commonly used for making shower curtains and Venetian blinds?

    <p>Plastic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of plastics is cellulose derived from?

    <p>Organic plastics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What architectural feature was made possible by the use of glass fiber reinforced plastic and glass fiber reinforced concrete?

    <p>Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of plastic is commonly used in the packaging industry and is also known for its insulating properties?

    <p>Polystyrene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one significant limitation of plastics in structural applications according to the lecture?

    <p>Plastics cannot replace reinforcement bars.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated as a key characteristic of plastic materials in the construction industry?

    <p>Resistance to corrosion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How has the application of plastics evolved in modern architecture?

    <p>Plastics are increasingly being explored for creative architectural designs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the lecture, what aspect of architectural design is greatly influenced by the use of plastic materials?

    <p>Aesthetic expression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of plastics, which of the following is NOT commonly associated with their use in building construction?

    <p>Structural load-bearing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of design does the aquatic centre in Beijing resemble due to its use of plastics?

    <p>Natural water bubbles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the common operations that can be performed on plastics?

    <p>Drilling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key advantage of using plastics in construction?

    <p>Resistance to weathering agents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the flame spread index measure?

    <p>The propensity to burn rapidly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component acts as the binder in plastic items?

    <p>Polymer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What toxic substance can be released from polystyrene when burnt?

    <p>Chlorofluorocarbon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one way that glass and plastics can be fabricated similarly?

    <p>Calendar them</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the smoke development index (SDI) measure?

    <p>The concentration of smoke produced when burnt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which material can be riveted, similar to metals?

    <p>Plastics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of thermoplastics when heated?

    <p>They retain their properties and can be reshaped.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly differentiates thermoplastics from thermosets?

    <p>Thermoplastics are recyclable while thermosets are not.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common use of Bakelite, a type of thermoset?

    <p>Early electrical switches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what temperature range can thermoplastics typically be reshaped?

    <p>Around 50 degrees centigrade</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs to thermosets when they are exposed to high temperatures?

    <p>They dissociate and become rigid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following properties is true for thermoplastics?

    <p>They can be heated and reshaped multiple times.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of material tends to be cheaper?

    <p>Thermosets</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a typical tensile strength that thermoplastics can handle?

    <p>28 Newton per millimetre square</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of plasticizers in polymers?

    <p>To modify plasticity and delay crystallization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following materials are considered fillers?

    <p>Zinc oxide and chalk</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do lubricating agents play in the molding process?

    <p>They help in demoulding and make the process smoother</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Catalysts in plastic production are considered:

    <p>Optional and used to aid polymerization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of plastic is specifically mentioned for UV protection and durability in the provided content?

    <p>Polycarbonate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which components help impart fire retardant properties to plastics?

    <p>Additives and fillers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the function of pigments in plastics?

    <p>To act as coloring agents and sometimes fillers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common material is listed as a possible filler in plastic composites?

    <p>Sawdust</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Introduction to Plastics in Construction

    • Plastics have been utilized in the building industry for an extended period, gradually increasing in application.
    • Historically limited, newer research and innovation have expanded plastic uses beyond composites like glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP).

    Architectural Applications

    • Renowned structures like Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre and Beijing Aquatic Centre exemplify creative uses of GFRP and other plastic composites.
    • The design flexibility of plastics enables unique architectural expressions reminiscent of natural forms.

    Types of Plastics

    • General Definition: Plastics are high molecular weight polymers derived from crude oil, petroleum, or natural sources (e.g., cellulose).
    • Examples of Common Polymers: Polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, and polystyrene.

    Characteristics of Plastics

    • Typically impervious and non-biodegradable, posing environmental concerns.
    • Malleability allows plastics to be shaped and utilized in diverse building applications.
    • Low specific gravity (1 to 1.4), contributing to lightweight construction alternatives.

    Types of Plastics

    • Thermoplastics:

      • Retain properties and shape upon heating; can be reshaped multiple times.
      • Recyclable with a tensile strength of up to 28 Newtons per square millimeter.
      • Examples include polyethylene and polypropylene.

    • Thermosets:

      • Feature cross-linked structures that become rigid when heated beyond a certain temperature.
      • High tensile strength but brittle; not recyclable.
      • Commonly known example includes Bakelite, used in electrical switches and kitchen utensils.

    Use in Building and Fabrication

    • Plastics are adaptable; can be riveted, welded, clamped, sawed, drilled, and laminated for varied applications.
    • Properties of plastics: lightweight, resistant to weathering, and require low/no maintenance.

    Hazards and Safety Measures

    • Inert when stable, plastics can produce toxic fumes during degradation or burning.
    • Measured safety indices:
      • Flame Spread Index (FSI): Rate of fire spread.
      • Smoke Development Index (SDI): Concentration of smoke produced upon burning.

    Composition of Plastics

    • Resin: The primary binder that provides strength and structure.
    • Additives:
      • Fillers: Enhance properties (e.g., fire retardant, UV protection).
      • Plasticizers: Modify flexibility and strength.
      • Pigments: Coloring agents that also serve as fillers.
      • Lubricants: Facilitate easy demoulding from production forms.

    Practical Applications

    • Visual examples include molded joints, water pipes, electrical conduits, and polycarbonate sheets.
    • Knowledge of various types of plastic materials is essential for architects in their daily practice and material recommendations in their projects.

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    Description

    In this lecture, we explore the role of plastics in the building industry as part of the module on building materials and composites. Discover the evolution and significance of plastic materials in modern architecture and construction.

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