Features such as lightness, flexibility, insulation, and resistance to environmental conditions have made plastic a very suitable option for use in construction projects. In recent decades, with advancements in technology and the development of polymer materials, the application of plastic in construction has increased, and today it is used in various sectors such as facades, roofs, plumbing, insulation, and interior decoration.

One of the most important advantages of using plastic in construction is the reduction of the overall weight of the structure, which in turn reduces transportation and installation costs. In addition, these materials have high durability against moisture, corrosion, and adverse weather conditions, which leads to a decrease in maintenance costs for buildings in the long term.

Moreover, plastics serve as thermal and acoustic insulators, playing a significant role in optimizing energy consumption and reducing heating and cooling costs in buildings. In this article, we will examine the advantages, applications, and various methods of using plastic in the construction industry.

Methods of Using Plastic in Construction

In plumbing and installations, PEX and PVC pipes are used for water and sewage systems; additionally, drainage pipes are applied in urban infrastructure and commercial buildings. Composite MLCP pipes are also utilized in installations due to their high resistance and flexibility.

In the roofing and external coverings sector, corrugated plastic sheets made of PVC or polypropylene are used for the roofs of warehouses, greenhouses, and open spaces. Plastic ceiling panels also not only reduce the weight of the structure but also have high resistance to moisture. Plastic flooring such as vinyl flooring (PVC, PP, PE) is considered a suitable alternative to wooden and ceramic flooring and has high resistance to wear and moisture.

In building insulation, polystyrene foams are used in walls, floors, and ceilings to prevent energy loss. Bubble wrap is also used as a protective layer to enhance thermal and acoustic insulation in structures. In the cladding and facade sector, PVC and polycarbonate panels are used in exterior facades, providing not only aesthetic enhancement but also resistance to weather conditions.

The use of recycled plastics in construction has also become very common. Plastic-reinforced concrete, through the incorporation of recycled plastic fibers, increases the strength of concrete. Plastic asphalt, by combining waste plastics with bitumen, enhances the durability and resistance of roads.

Characteristics of Plastic in Construction

One of the most important characteristics of plastic is its low weight compared to other materials. This property makes transportation and installation easier, thus reducing labor costs and energy consumption. The high durability of plastic, especially its resistance to moisture, chemicals, and corrosion, makes it suitable for use in harsh environments and adverse weather conditions.

The flexibility of plastic allows it to be molded into various shapes and sizes, making it widely applicable in custom designs of buildings; furthermore, plastics are more cost-effective than traditional materials, leading to a reduction in the overall costs of construction projects. These materials also possess thermal and acoustic insulation properties, which help reduce energy consumption in buildings.

Other positive features of plastic include easy installation, low maintenance, and resistance to pests and decay. These factors contribute to an increased lifespan of structures and reduced maintenance costs. Some plastics are recyclable, contributing to better environmental sustainability in the construction industry.

Understanding the Structure of Plastic

Plastics are essentially a collection of polymer materials that are available in solution form in a substance called monomer. Polymers consist of long chains of similar molecules that bond together in a network. These networks are formed from long, chain-like polymers and are recognized as a single unit called a polymer.

Plastic materials are typically produced from hydrocarbon gas, which reacts through a process called polymerization to form polymer molecules. In this process, monomers bond together in long chains to create plastic. This process is carried out industrially, and due to lower production costs and specific properties, plastic materials are used instead of other materials.

The characteristics of plastic include lightness, strength, thermal stability, electrical insulation, transparency, flexibility, gas and moisture permeability, recyclability, and low cost. These features have led to the use of plastics in many industries such as automotive, electronics, packaging, clothing, construction, and more...

Reasons for Using Nylon in the Construction Industry

Having features such as lightness, corrosion resistance, flexibility, thermal and acoustic insulation, color and design acceptance, recyclability, and the ability to be produced in bulk and economically is essential. Additionally, the use of plastic in the construction industry can lead to energy savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Examples of plastic applications in the construction industry include the production of polymer pipes, protective coverings, flooring, windows, doors, and polycarbonate roofs.

1. Relatively High Resistance and Durability

Plastic materials, with their high resistance and durability against various environmental conditions, including sunlight, rain, moisture, oxygen, etc., serve as a suitable alternative to metal and glass materials in buildings. For instance, in some cases, heat-resistant plastics are used for the construction and installation of windows. In fact, plastics have higher durability and resistance compared to glass and metal and suffer less from damage caused by impact, scratching, and rusting.

Other applications of plastic in the construction industry include the manufacture of plastic pipes for HVAC systems, electricity, water, and sewage. Plastic pipes are very suitable for use in these systems due to properties such as resistance to rust and moisture, lightness, and lack of harmful effects on wall surfaces.

2. Cost Savings

In the construction industry, producing and supplying raw materials at low and acceptable costs is very important. Due to the use of plastic materials from sources such as oil and gas as raw materials, the production and construction costs of these materials are more economical. Additionally, plastics have lower maintenance and repair costs compared to other materials, making them more cost-effective. Therefore, plastics are considered one of the primary materials used in the construction industry.

3. Easy Recycling

One of the positive features of plastic materials in the construction industry is their recyclability, which reduces material waste and production costs. Furthermore, after the use of plastic materials in buildings, they can be reused through recycling in production processes and other applications, thereby reducing the amount of waste generated. On the other hand, this feature of plastic materials can also be beneficial for the environment, as reducing the production of plastic waste and producing recycled products leads to decreased air, water, and soil pollution.

Application of Plastic in Construction

Plastic materials, due to their structural characteristics, including high durability and resistance in various conditions, ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and recyclability, have a broader application in the construction industry compared to other materials.

1. Ducting and Piping

Plastic pipes, due to their electrical insulation properties, are very suitable for applications that require non-conduction of electric current. This property can pose a risk due to insufficient or faulty electrical connections in metal pipes.

For example, if metal pipes are installed for water transfer in areas that freeze quickly, there is a risk of ice formation inside the pipes and the generation of electric current in the pipes, which could spread to the municipal water system. This issue could damage the municipal water system, electrical equipment, and even pose a danger to individuals.

Plastic pipes, due to their lack of electrical conductivity, do not have these risks and can be easily used in cold areas. Additionally, these pipes are also used in the electronics and electrical industries due to their non-reactivity to electric current.

Overall, the electrical insulation property and non-reactivity to electric current are very important and beneficial features of plastic pipes that have led to their use in many construction and industrial applications.

2. Profiles and Coatings

Plastic coatings and profiles are used in the construction industry for making various doors, windows, and screws. Among the plastic materials used in the manufacture of windows is polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a plastic material that is very transparent, strong, and lightweight, and has greater resistance to breakage compared to metal. Additionally, polycarbonate has high thermal insulation properties and can perform well at high temperatures.

For making window frames, plastic materials such as vinyl and fiberglass are also used. Vinyl is a material that increases the resistance to pressure and bending of the profile. Moreover, vinyl has resistance to the effects of light and color change. Fiberglass is also a plastic material used for making windows and doors and has very high resistance to breakage and bending.

The use of plastic coatings and profiles in buildings reduces construction and maintenance costs while increasing the strength and lifespan of the products.

3. Construction of Building Doors

Building doors are made using rigid polyurethane foam. Rigid polyurethane foam is a polymeric material that is produced through a chemical process involving the combination of two main substances, namely polyisocyanate and polyols. This foam has a sandwich structure compressed by two outer shells made of strong plastic.

These types of doors, due to their sandwich structure and the rigid polyurethane material inside them, have high resistance to impact and deformation. Additionally, their sturdy outer plastic coating prevents moisture and dust from entering the door, increasing their durability and longevity.

The use of sandwich doors made of rigid polyurethane foam in buildings leads to energy and cost savings, as these types of doors have excellent thermal insulation properties due to their sandwich structure. Furthermore, the installation of these doors is very easy, and when opening and closing, the loud noise caused by the door hitting protrusions is minimized.

4. Use in Flooring

The use of plastic materials in flooring is one of the common methods in the construction industry that, due to their very suitable characteristics, is gradually replacing traditional methods such as ceramics, stone, etc.

Plastic materials like PVC and polyethylene are used to create flooring for buildings. Plastic flooring made from these materials is generally used in commercial, office, industrial, and even residential buildings.

The advantages of using these types of flooring include:

High resistance to scratching, wear, and other possible damages on the floor.

Non-absorption of water and resistance to moisture and water.

Acoustic insulation of plastic flooring, which can help reduce outside noise and increase user comfort.

Easy installation and maintenance, leading to reduced maintenance and repair costs.

Ease of washing and cleaning the flooring, which is very simple due to non-absorption of water and smooth, unbroken surfaces.

Given the high advantages of plastic flooring, the use of these materials in the construction industry as a suitable alternative to traditional methods has gained significant attention due to their efficiency and practicality.

5. Use in Cables and Wiring

In buildings, wiring and cables are used for the transmission of electrical current and communications. To prevent potential hazards such as electric shock and fire, proper and strong insulation for wiring and cables is very important. Therefore, plastic materials with high electrical insulation properties are used as sheathing and insulation for electrical wiring and cables.

Thermoplastics and thermosets with very high insulating and resistant properties are the best options for insulating electrical wiring and cables. Various plastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) with low density are also used as sheathing and insulation in the construction of electrical wiring and cables. These materials, in addition to being insulating, are lightweight and resistant to corrosion and wear.

6. Production of Plastic Sheeting

In the construction industry, plastic is used as a useful material for making sheeting or special nylon for concrete pouring. These sheets are produced using plastic materials and are used in concrete pouring to prevent the entry of dust and soil particles into the foundation and metal sheets. By using these sheets, it is possible to prevent the penetration of water and other harmful particles into the structure, thus increasing the useful life of the structure. Overall, the use of plastic in the construction industry enhances the quality and useful life of structures.

7. Thermal Insulation of Buildings

The use of plastic materials, especially polyurethane spray, in thermal insulation of buildings is very beneficial due to their low weight, chemical resistance, and high resistance to fire and combustion. Polyurethane foam serves as a thermal insulator and can be used in various parts of the building, including walls, ceilings, and flooring. By using this material, the heat of the building can be retained indoors during cold seasons, preventing energy loss in the building.

Additionally, the use of plastic materials in the production of other construction products is also possible. However, it should be noted that the final quality of construction products can be affected, and depending on how the plastic materials are made and the amount of raw materials used, there may be significant differences in the final quality of the products.

Applications of Plastic in Architecture and Construction

Plastics are used in various sectors of architecture and construction due to their features such as durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. These materials are employed in structural, facade, insulation, and interior decoration sectors, playing a crucial role in improving efficiency and reducing construction costs. Applications of plastic in architecture and construction include:

Use of PVC and polycarbonate panels and sheets for facades and external cladding

PVC profiles in the production of doors and windows to enhance thermal and acoustic insulation

Plastic sheets of PVC and polypropylene for the roofs of warehouses, greenhouses, and industrial buildings

Use of PVC and polyethylene pipes in plumbing, drainage, and sewage systems

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foams for insulating walls, ceilings, and floors

Plastic ceiling panels to reduce sound transmission

Plastic flooring such as vinyl, which is durable, resistant, and easy to maintain

Plastic wall coverings for moisture protection and ease of cleaning

Skylights and polycarbonate and acrylic glasses that have high impact resistance and transmit light well

Plastic sheathing for electrical wiring to enhance safety

Use of plastic in the production of sinks, bathtubs, and washbasins due to high resistance to water and chemicals

The use of plastic in architecture and construction increases durability, reduces costs, and improves building performance against various environmental conditions; furthermore, the high diversity in design and color of these materials allows them to be used in various parts of the building.

Advantages of Using Plastic in Architecture and Construction

One of the most important advantages of using plastic in construction is its lightweight nature. This feature reduces the overall load of the building, decreases transportation costs, and makes installation and execution easier; additionally, plastics have high resistance to moisture and corrosion. Unlike some traditional materials like wood and metal, which may suffer damage when exposed to water and adverse weather conditions, plastics have greater durability and require less maintenance.

Another significant advantage of plastics is their suitable thermal and acoustic insulation. This property reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling the building, thereby increasing energy efficiency.

The high flexibility and moldability of plastics are other features that enable creative and modern designs in architecture. These materials can be used to produce wall panels, false ceilings, construction pipes, and many other components. The low production cost and recyclability of some types of plastic have made these materials an economical and sustainable option in construction projects.

Final Thoughts

In addition to the physical and chemical properties of these materials, their efficiency and usability in various conditions, as well as their lightweight and portability, are of great importance.

The production of high-quality plastic products and the use of quality raw materials can also impact the final quality and longevity of construction products. The Bubble Plastic Production Company, with its experience and advanced technology, produces high-quality products that meet international standards and are used in the construction industry.

Given the increasing construction needs in the country, the use of plastic materials in construction seems to be an optimal and cost-effective solution.

The application of plastic and nylon in construction

Kamāl Mīthamī Fard, CEO of Arya Foodan Company, in conversation with AgroFoodNews.

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