Building and Insulating Materials based on Plastics

Plastics are found all around us. Chemically, they belong to polymers, i.e. chemical compounds formed by chaining monomers. Plastics are usually classified according to the nature of the monomers or typical chemical bonds. The most common polymers are polyolefins, which are based on olefins (alkenes) such as ethylene, propylene and others. These materials can be found in almost all the applications listed below. Other alkenes (e.g. butadiene) form the basis of synthetic rubbers. If other chemical elements are incorporated into the polymer structure in addition to carbon and hydrogen, we obtain, for example, polyvinyl chloride, a typical raw material for flooring and waterproofing films. A wide group consists of polyesters, which we can encounter in the form of reactive resins bonding laminates or artificial stone, they are unmistakable as PET bottles or PES fibers in textile materials. Polyamides are also used in the form of fibers, which are also used to produce gears and in other technical applications. In the field of binders, epoxy resins cannot be overlooked, which are capable of firmly bonding a wide range of materials. They are therefore used in the production of composites, bonded structural elements and for bonding in households. In many cases, polyurethane assembly foams make the work of builders easier. Soft polyurethane foams accompany us, for example, in furniture upholstery and automobiles. Flexible sealants based on silicone rubber or polyacrylates are now a common part of the so-called construction chemistry. This also includes various impregnations and coatings based on polymer dispersions and solutions.

There is and is an almost endless number of polymer substances, including bio-polymers, etc., and others are being developed. The above and very limited list of applications for several groups of polymers shows that the use of plastics is truly diverse; it can be said with exaggeration that they are everywhere where they could replace classic materials. In addition to the effort to provide a cheaper option, the effect is very often that the substitute has better utility properties than the replaced substance. Let us mention silicones as an example.

In the construction industry, the use of plastics is not yet as widespread as, for example, in car manufacturing, but it is constantly increasing. Some applications have already been indicated. These include pipes of various diameters and materials, thermal insulation, various profiles and interior and exterior covering and decorative elements.