Overview

Plastics are used greatly in various parts of construction. In fact, the construction sector is the second highest user of plastics (after packaging). In 1999, 18% of total plastics consumption was due to this sector which totalled to over 6 million tonnes only in the EU (Table 1.1). There are many reasons for the increasing use of plastics in construction, both for structural and non-structural applications. Firstly, they are light and hence have excellent strength to weight ratios, they have perfect durabilities and toughness, proper cost effectiveness and low maintenance, and perfect insulating properties, all of which make them a very attractive choice as a construction material (Table 1.2). Plastics are used in the construction industry because:

• They provide long-lasting solutions: they are durable, strong, tough and corrosion resistant with perfect insulation properties (water, heat, noise and vibration).

• They are light in weight and their installation and assembly is easy.

• They can be used for creation of stylish, hygienic modern designs, i.e., in kitchens and bathrooms, and for retrofitting and rehabilitation.

• They can be used for the design of the future applications: i.e., as smart materials, to produce climate walls to regulate internal temperature, in solar energy generation systems, in activated glazing systems which can become transparent or opaque, and to produce earthquake-proof buildings.

• Special light transmitting plastics with high clarity and shatter resistance are suitable for use indoors and outdoors.