Plastic as a building material. Brief history of their use through examples.

Manufacture. properties,types, uses and application of plastics in building

industry. Different types of adhesives and sealants.
Plastic joints. Specific materials such as polycarbonate sheet and teflon.

PLASTIC AS A BUILDING MATERIAL

Plastic is the generic name for a family of synthetic materials derived
from petrochemicals. It is often product of two or more components.
There are many families of plastics and polymers being used in construction industry.
Examples of plastics used in building are:

 Acrylic
 Composites
 Expanded Polystyrene
 Polycarbonate
 Polyethylene
 Polypropylene
 Polyvinyl Chloride

Advantages

 Plastics are strong yet lightweight, and so they are easy to transport & manoeuvre.
 They are durable, knock-and scratch resistant with excellent weatherability.
 They do not rot or corrode.
 Plastics are easy to install; many have a snap-fit kind of jointing procedures.
 Plastics offer limitless possibilities in design achieved by extrusion, bending,
moulding etc.
 They can be given any range of colours by adding pigments.
 The plastics are low conductors of heat and thus are used as insulation materials in
green building concepts.
 The plastics products can achieve tight seals.
 They can be sawn and nailed employing standard carpentry tools and skills.
 They can be easily removed and recycled.
 They are bad conductors of electricity.

Disadvantages and limitations

Plastics may be degraded under the action of direct sunlight which reduces their
mechanical strength.

 Many plastics are flammable unless treated.

 High embodied energy content
 Low modulus of elasticity: makes them unsuitable for load-bearing applications.
 Thermoplastics are subject to creep and soften at moderate temperatures.
 Thermal expansion for most plastics is high: adequate thermal movement has to be
allowed in detailing.
 Many types of plastics are not biodegradable thus cause pollution when they
accumulate.

Products
Some of the examples below are Products of Plastics in the Construction industry:

 Pipes : Electrical Conduits, Rain Water & Sewage pipes, Plumbing, Gas
Distributions.
 Cables : PVC Insulation on cables, Insulation Tapes .
 Floorings : Flooring tiles & Rolls .
 Domes / sky lights : Opaque as well as transparent.
 Roofing : Coloured or Double skinned for insulation.
 Windows & doors : Extruded sections for Door and windows and panels.
 Storage tanks : Storage tanks.
 Hardware accessories : Washers, Nut bolts, Sleeves, Anchoring wires.
 Temporary structures: Guard cabins, tents
 Insulation materials: PVC sheets, insulating membranes.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THEIR USE THROUGH EXAMPLES

Until 1900, writes Robert Bailey, building construction largely involved three basic
available materials: wood, stone, and clay (earth). The 20th Century, however, saw the
advent of more materials than all past centuries combined; materials now considered
commonplace, like plastics.

The first man-made plastic was unveiled by Alexander Parkes at the 1862 Great
International Exhibition in London, England. Dubbed ‘Parkesine’ by the public, the
organic material derived from cellulose could be molded once heated, but retained its
shape when cooled. The material could be transparent, as well as carved into
thousands of different shapes.

The first completely synthetic substance was discovered in 1907, when New York
chemist Leo Baekeland created a liquid resin that would not burn, boil, melt, or dissolve
in any commonly available acid or solvent. Unlike earlier plastics, ‘Bakelite’ was the first
thermoset plastic that retained its shape and form under any circumstances. Bakelite
could be added to almost any material—such as softwood—and instantly make it more
durable and effective.

In 1933, two organic chemists working for the Imperial Chemical Industries’ research
laboratory were testing various chemicals under highly pressurized conditions. They set
off a reaction between ethylene and benzaldehyde, creating polyethylene. It went on to
play a key supporting role during World War II—first as an underwater cable coating,
then as an insulating material for vital military applications, such as radar. It became the
first plastic in the United States to sell more than a billion pounds per year, and is
currently the largest volume plastic in the world.

It was not long before these and other advancements in plastics and materials sciences
found their way into the construction industry. Here, then, are some of the more
prevalent types of plastics in construction and their uses.

Thermosetting plastics
One of the most important thermosetting plastics is polyurethane, an organic polymer.
Polyurethane coatings are used as paints, varnishes, and traffic coatings because they
make exceptional wearing surfaces. Polyurethane foams are used in rigid insulation
(polyisocyanurate) and sprayed roofing because of their thermal resistivity, and as
sealants due to their durability and flexibility.

Epoxies are thermosetting resins characterized by toughness, high adhesion, corrosion

resistance, and resistance to common solvents, oils, and chemicals. These properties
make them exceptionally durable as coatings, as a matrix for seamless flooring, and in
cured form as laboratory work surfaces.

Phenolics are also thermosetting resins. They are known for hardness and resisting
moisture, solvents, and heat. They are dimensionally stable and non-combustible, and
are used in organic coatings and baked enamels. Phenolics make possible the 20th-
Century high-pressure decorative laminates.

Thermoplastics
Polyethylene is tough, flexible, resistant to solvents and corrosive solutions, and is used
in construction primarily in sheet form. Reclaimed polyethylene has found application as
the matrix that contains the wood fiber in a wood-polymer lumber product.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl is perhaps the most versatile of all plastics, taking
such well-known forms in construction as flooring, siding, piping, and single-ply
membrane roofing. Depending upon the type, vinyl generally resists weathering, oils,
greases, acids, fungus, and moisture, and is self-extinguishing and abrasion-resistant.

Polystyrenes are noted for their sparkling clarity, hardness, extreme ease of
processing, excellent colorability, dimensional stability, and relatively low cost.
Commercial production of polystyrene was pioneered by BASF and the Dow Chemical
Co. in 1930. A wide-variety of co-polymers use general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) as
a building block to produce materials with more tailored properties. The addition of
polybutadiene rubber to styrene monomer during the polymerization yields high impact
polystyrene (HIPS).

The same properties making polystyrene useful for many applications as a solid
polymer also make it very desirable as a foam. Solid polystyrene polymers are
complemented by expandable polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam
board, and extruded polystyrene foam sheet in key markets, including food packaging,
refrigeration, audio/video, protective packaging and cushioning, insulation, roofing,
building and construction, ‘geofoam,’ consumer electronics and office equipment,
medical devices, and toys.

Polyamides resist common solvents and alkalis, possess low water absorption, and are
strong, tough, and elastic. In construction, polyamides are primarily used in coatings.
Perhaps the most significant and well known of polyamides is nylon, a synthetic polymer
with great tensile strength and high elasticity. Widely used as carpet fiber, nylon’s
performance is unaffected by rot, vermin, insects, or fungus. Nylon has good weathering
characteristics and resists saltwater and common detergents.

Used as glazing, slow-burning acrylics impart clarity and transparency with shock
resistance and stability to weathering. Acrylics are also used in coatings, lighting
fixtures, solid surfacing, and as carpet fibers.
Polycarbonates
In 1953, polycarbonate was discovered by Dr. H. Schnell at Bayer AG, Germany, and
by D.W. Fox at General Electric Co., U.S.A. (working independently). By the late 1950s,
polycarbonate began to be used in commercial applications.

It was initially used for electrical and electronic applications, such as distributor and fuse
boxes, displays and plug connections, and subsequently, for glazing greenhouses and
public buildings. As polycarbonate sheets are virtually unbreakable, protective paneling
and glazing is frequently installed wherever people and property need to be protected
from injury and damage.

In factories, polycarbonate safety guards protect many workers. Spectators at ice

hockey games have a perfect view of the game from behind protective polycarbonate
glazing panels and bank employees are protected behind bullet-resistant polycarbonate
windows. Protective barriers and shields made of polycarbonate also guard taxi drivers
and riot police.

Conclusion
As advances in plastics technology march on, plastics and systems combining plastics
with other materials continue to be introduced to the construction scene. While the
building and construction industry is traditionally cautious in adopting new materials and
installation methods, plastics education and exposure will prevail, leading to an ever
increasing use of plastics in construction.

PROPERTIES OF PLASTICS AS A CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL

Each plastic material has its own peculiar properties to suit its particular uses. The
success of plastic as an engineering material will depends up on the selection of variety
of plastic. Following are the general properties of plastic.

1. Appearance of Plastics
In the market there are so many types of models of plastics are available such as
transparent, colored etc. suitable pigments are added in the process of manufacturing of
plastic material to get these different properties. So, these will give good appearance to
the structure and makes it attractive.

2. Chemical Resistance of Plastics

Plastics offer great resistance against chemicals and solvents. Chemical composition of
plastics during manufacturing will decide the degree of chemical resistance. Most of the
plastics available in the market offer great corrosion resistance. So, corrosive metals
are replaced by plastic in the case of water carrying pipes, etc.

3. Dimensional Stability
Thermo-plastic types of plastics can be easily reshaped and reused. But in the case of
thermo-setting type plastics, it is not possible to reshape or remold the material.

4. Ductility of Plastics
Ductile nature of plastic is very low. When tensile stress are acting on plastic member
they may fail without any prior indication.

5. Durability of Plastics
Plastics with sufficient surface hardness are having good durability. Sometimes, plastics
may affected by termites and rodents especially in the case of thermo-plastic types,
however it is not a serious problem because of no nutrition values in plastic.

6. Electric Insulation
Plastics are good electric insulators. So they are used as linings for electric cables and
for electronics tools.

7. Finishing
Any type of finishing treatment van be given to the plastics. Mass production of plastic
particles with uniformity of surface finish is done by having technical control during
manufacturing.

8. Fire Resistance
The resistance to temperature or fire for varieties of plastics considerably varies
depending upon the structure. Plastics made of cellulose acetate are burnt slowly. PVC
made plastics do not catch fire easily. Plastics made of phenol formaldehyde and urea
formaldehyde are fire proof materials.

9. Fixing
Fixing of plastic materials is so easy. We can bolt, drill or glued to fix plastic material
position.

10. Humidity
The plastics made up of cellulosic materials are affected by the presence of moisture.
The plastics made of poly vinyl chloride (PVC pipes) offers great resistance against
moisture.
11. Maintenance
Maintaining of plastics are so simple. Because they do not need any surface finishing
coats or paints etc.

12. Melting Point

Generally plastics have very low melting point. Some plastics may melt at just 50oC. So,
they cannot be used in the positions of high temperature. Thermo setting type of
plastics are having high melting point than thermo plastic type plastics. However,
thermo setting types are cannot used for recycling. To improve the heat resistance of
the plastics, glass fiber reinforcement is provided in its structure.

13. Optical Property

There are so many types of plastics. Some plastics are transparent which allows light in
its original direction and some are translucent nothing but semi-transparent which
allows light but changes light rays direction.

14. Recycling of Plastics

Disposal of plastics in the environment causes severe pollution. But it is not a serious
problem because of its recycling property. We can use plastic waste disposal
conveniently to produce drainage pipes, fencing, hand rails, carpets, benches etc.

15. Sound Absorption

By the saturation of phenolic resins we can produce acoustic boards. These acoustic
boards are sound absorbents and provide sound insulation. Generally for theatres,
seminar halls this type of acoustic ceilings are used.

16. Strength

Practically we can say that plastic is strong material but ideal section of plastic which is
useful for structural component is not designed yet. Generally by reinforcing fibrous
material into plastic improves its strength. If the strength to weight ratio of plastic is
same as metals, then also we cannot give preference to plastics because of various
reasons like, heavy cost, creep failure may occur, poor stiffness and sensitive against
temperature.

17. Thermal Property

The thermal conductivity of plastics is very low and is similar to wood. So, foamed and
expanded plastics are used as thermal insulators.

18. Weather Resistance

Most of the plastics except some limited varieties are capable of resistance against
weathering. But, major problem is plastics when the plastics are exposed to sunlight,
they are seriously affected by ultra violet rays and gets brittle. To prevent this, plastics
are incorporated by fillers and pigments which helps to absorb or reflect the UV rays to
surface.
19. Weight of Plastics
The Plastics have low specific gravity generally ranges from 1.3 to 1.4. So they are light
in weight and easily transportable to any place in a large quantity.

Conclusion

Typically, construction professionals select plastic materials based on the following

criteria:
1. Durability
Many plastic materials are as strong as if not stronger than certain metals. Plastic
hardware is also frequently corrosion resistant, allowing it to survive outside in
inclement weather indefinitely.
2. Cost Effectiveness
As is the case in most industries these days, cost is an important factor in any
construction project. Many plastic materials are very economical.
3. Recycling
Unlike metals, some plastics can be recycled without losing any chemical properties
and hence can be used over and over again.
4, Energy Saving
Plastic consumes less heat than metal. The insulating effects of some plastics can also
decrease sound pollution level.
5. Safety
Plastic materials are typically much lighter than metals. The lightness of the material
makes it easier to carry and lift into place.
6. Easy to install
A while back we posted about an FRP bridge that was installed in just a few days. The
lightweight of plastic materials allows for quick and easy installation.

USES AND APPLICATION OF PLASTICS IN BUILDING INDUSTRY

Uses of Plastics in Building Construction
Plastics are manufactured in different forms such as moulding pipes, sheets and films.
They are formed or expanded to produce materials of low density. Dissolved in solvents
or dispersed as emulsions, they are used in paints, varnishes and adhesives.

At present, plastics find use in buildings mainly in thin coverings, panels, sheets, foams,
pipes etc. skilful use of plastics will expand the usefulness and life of conventional
building materials and help them to function more efficiently and economically.

A wide range of applications of plastics in buildings are given below:

 Wall

A structural insulated panel (SIP) is a sandwich of expanded polystyrene amidst two

slim layers of oriented strand board. This type of pre-fab, composite wall board can be
 transferred to the work place easily for a particular task and provide good support to
columns and other associated essentials during renovation.

Uses of plastics in façade panels, exterior covering, carpentry etc.

Façade Panels
1. Sandwich panels covering with PVC (polyvinyl Chloride), plasticized plates and
polyurethane foams.

2. Sandwich panels – asbestos cement covering and polyurethane foam core

3. Sandwich panel – polystyrene foam core and various coverings

4. Sandwich panel – covering with polyester laminated sheet and polyurethane foam core

5. Sandwich panel – enameled iron covering and polyurethane foam core.

6. Sandwich panel – covering with polyester laminated sheet glued to asbestos cement
and polyesterene foam core.
Exterior covering
1. Polyester coated concrete by moulding from an existing plates.

2. Sprayed polyurethane with sand and gravel agglomeration.

3. Epoxy resins and polyesters on various supporting media

4. PVC plasticized plates (spraying, coating or adhesive films)

5. Polyester epidermis available as permanent shuttering

Weather Boarding
1. Polyester

2. PVC

3. Polymethyl methacrylate

Doors

Some construction projects use doors made from a stiff polyurethane foam core with
a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) coating. The sandwich structure of these doors makes
them incredibly strong.
 Windows
Polycarbonate is used to manufacture building windows. This plastic material is strong,
clear and very light in weight. Polycarbonate windows are considered more burglar-
proof than regular glass windows. Two plastics materials, vinyl and fiberglass, are used
commonly in the production of window frames. Fiberglass is extremely strong while
vinyl is quite durable and also inexpensive.

1. PVC casing on metal moulding

2. Polyester laminated sheet on wooden moulding

3. PVC – chlorinated polyethylene compound

4. Methyl polymethacrylate

5. Polyester glass fibre and phenolic foam core

6. PVC/ wood
Rolling Shutters
1. Plasticized PVC extruded sections

2. Rigid PVC extruded sections

3. Polyamide winding gear

4. Blinds and sunscreens

5. Polyester, PVC

Uses of Plastics in Interior Covering, Floors, Walls, Ceilings, Doors, Partitions

Etc
Interior Covering
a) Wall Lining
1. Adhering films – vinyl coated fabrics or paper vinyl sheet doubling on fabric or paper
etc.

2. Sprayed lining polyurethane

3. Laminate – Melamine and phenolic plastics – polyester

4. Wall tiles – polystyrene, PVC – tiles or mosaic

5. Coating – polyvinyl acetate

 b) Floor Covering

 Flooring

Plastic materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene are used to make
flooring less prone to wear and tear. It also decreases the sound pollution level and can
be cleaned easily.

1. Asbestos plastic slabs (asphalt tile type)

2. Vinyl asbestos slabs

3. Homogeneous semi-flexible vinyl slabs

4. Flexible, homogeneous or multi-layered vinyl slabs.

5. Homogeneous vinyl carpets (a) stuck, (b) laid

6. Vinyl carpets on felt (applied or coating)

7. Multi-layered coating with cellular structure on fabrics

8. Multilayered coating on cork structure

9. Vinyl carpets on jute cloth.

10. Thermosetting resin based covering

11. Rubber covering

12. Synthetic fibre tensile covering (polyamides, viscose etc.)

Ceilings and Counter Ceilings
1. Translucent – polyester, PVC, polyamides, polyurethanes

2. Opaque, extruded polystyrene or vinyl copolymers, impact type polystyrene

3. Lighting – PVC, polymethylmethacrylate

Uses of Plastics in Roof Coverings, Tightness, Domes and Lighting elements

Roof Covering

 Roofing

To protect the outer surface of the roof from damage, two layers of different plastic
materials are required. The upper part is made of colored thermoplastic olefin or vinyl
 while the lower part consists of polyurethane foam which consumes less energy and
keeps the interior of a house cooler.

1. Flat or corrugated sheets – polyester, PVC, polymethylmethacrylate

2. Curved sheets – reinforced polymer

3. Domes – polyester, polymethylmethacrylate

4. Casements – polymethylmethacrylate, reinforced polyester

5. Troughs – class / polyester

6. Gutters – Rigid PVC polyester

7. vii. Downpipes – PVC

Roof Tightness
1. Polybutylene with or without glass cloth armature

2. Butyl rubber

3. Multilayered bitumen with PVC film screens and armatures

4. PVC sheets

5. Welded polyester
Uses of Plastics in Sanitary Equipment and Piping

 Pipes

Commonly made up of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), CPVC, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

(ABS) or polyethylene, plastic pipes are flexible and very light in weight, making them
easy to install. All of these plastic materials are also highly chemical and water
resistant, making them suitable for many extreme environments.

Sanitary Equipment
1. Appliances

2. Sinks – polymethylmethacrylate, polyester, polyamides

3. Basins – polyester, polymethylmethacrylate – polyester / glass fibre

4. Baths – polyester, polymethylmethacrylate

5. Showers – polymethylmethacrylate, polyester

6. Pipeworks – PVC, phenolics, ABS – terpolymer

7. Fittings – PVC and ABS – terpolymer – phenolic plastics

8. Traps – polyamides

9. Water – finishings – polystyrene and copolymers, polymer and copolymers,

polyethylene
Insulation

Polyurethane spray is frequently used for insulation when constructing green or low
energy buildings. Rigid polyurethane foam is known for its high thermal resistance
which promotes temperature consistency. Polyurethane foam is also popular
because it is lightweight, chemical resistant, and flame retardant. Due to its closed
cell nature, polyurethane insulation performs as an air barrier, resulting in significant
energy savings.

Insulation materials and application of foams

1. Polystyrene

2. PVC

3. Phenolic

4. Formaldehyde urea

5. Polyurethane

Other Uses of Plastics in Buildings

Some noteworthy trends in use of plastics are given below:

1. Concrete and mortar with thermosetting resin bending agents

2. Thermoplastic and thermosetting resin covering applicable to facades and concrete

epidermis

3. New roof covering and roof tightening materials (accessory covering materials,
tightness network), easy to place and standing up well to normal to wear

4. Large foam component units and new shaping techniques

5. Developing techniques for quick shaping of plastic into large components

6. Assembling and fixing processes more suitable for plastics

7. vii. New developments in sanitary equipment and piping, applying thermoplastic and
thermosetting resins.

8. New developments in the way of shuttering and of elements in permanent shuttering

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ADHESIVES AND SEALANTS

Adhesives

The suitability of an adhesive to any particular job, mostly depends on the strength and
viscosity of the adhesive product. It must have sufficient bonding strength to meet the
task at hand, while different formulations and viscosity also suit different types of porous
and non-porous materials.

Super Glue

Super glue is the term used for any cyanoacrylate adhesive. This glue creates a strong
and durable bond on metal, plastic, rubber, glass and ceramics. It bonds almost
immediately, so be careful not to get any on your skin. This immediate bond to plastic
does tend to cause the tube nozzle to clog, so it is handier to buy several small tubes
rather than one large one.

PVA

Cheap, readily available and gets most jobs done; PVA comes in a range of different
strengths and is suitable for use on porous materials such as wood, paper, cloth and
some plastic. The standard strength product is a popular choice for arts and crafts.

Epoxy Resin

Also known as two-part adhesive, epoxy resin consists of two parts: a resin and a
hardener. When the two parts are mixed, a chemical reaction causes the epoxy to
harden which creates a waterproof and temperature resistant bonding seal. It is also
highly durable and resistant to chemicals and solvents. It is unusual in that it doesn’t
shrink when curing, which further improves its strength. This is one of the most high
performance glues available and is widely used in the construction and repair of aircraft,
boats, automotive and sports equipment. Some of the more rigid formulations also have
excellent gap-filling abilities. Epoxy resin is suitable for use on wood, metal, most
plastics, glass, ceramic and stone.

Tile Adhesive

The most common reason for a tiling job to go wrong, is the use of the wrong adhesive.
as the right adhesive will depend on the type of tile, the type of wall or floor surface, and
the environment the wall or floor is in.

Top Tile Adhesive Tip

Spread the adhesive over the entire back of the tile, not just in dabs or else the tile may
crack at a later stage. should also work in small sections at a time, tiling; otherwise the
adhesive may harden before the tile is applied.

Filler Adhesive

Available in foam and paste formulations, filler is used to fill large gaps, bonding to the
edges of the gap. It is strong and durable, and usually water and temperature resistant,
providing insulation. It can normally be sanded and painted over once cured. Different
varieties are suitable for different sized gaps and applications; for example fillers with
high heat resistance are available for filling the gaps around heating pipes.

Wood Adhesive

Designed to bond two pieces of wood tightly together, wood adhesive is usually yellow
and dries clear. It is available in a variety of formulations that provide different benefits
such as suitability for exterior use or a fast setting time. Wood glue has the most
suitable viscosity for use on timber; soaking in just the right amount for improved
durability and strength. It does however have poor “grab” and gap-filling ability, so the
joints need to be tight-fitting and would usually be held in a clamp while the glue sets.

Sealants

The critical properties for a good sealant are flexibility and longevity. Any shrinkage or
erosion over time will render the seal useless, so choose a high quality sealant and you
will benefit from less requirement for reapplication, as well as better flexibility, corrosion
resistance and moisture resistance. The higher quality sealants are also easier to work
with.

Sealants can be used to seal and prime a surface prior to decorating, or they can be
used to create a joint much like a filler. A joint sealant comes in a cartridge that usually
requires a separate gun tool for application.

Silicone Sealant

The most popular type of joint sealant is silicone sealant. It comes in varieties for indoor
or outdoor use, and for jobs that demand greater or lesser flexibility.

Advantages of using a plastic material for windows instead of glass:

 Cost Savings - plastic sheeting is less expensive, provides better insulation, and
rarely needs repair or replacement.
 Strength & Safety - Over 10x stronger than glass and does not shatter into
dangerous pieces.
 Creative Designs - colored, fluorescent, black and white, and cut into unique
shapes.
 Easy to Use - like wood, plastic can be routed, scored, and cut on-site.
 Light-Weight - most plastic windows are 50% lighter than traditional glass.
 Light Transmission - removes glare and reflections.
 Superior Transparency - remains clear regardless of sheet thickness.
 Thermally Efficient - multi-wall panels better insulate

THERE ARE A VARIETY OF PLASTIC MATERIALS THAT ONE CAN USE AS A

SUBSTITUTE FOR WINDOW GLASS.

Acrylic or Plexiglass Sheeting

This plastic material is becoming a popular alternative to glass windows. While acrylic
and plexiglass windows have been used by manufacturers for years, this type of plastic
sheeting is starting to gain traction among business owners and some homeowners. Its
popularity is primarily due to the growing recognition of the numerous advantages
that acrylic plastic has over glass.
 Cheaper

Acrylic plexiglass sheeting takes less energy and money to produce. Additionally, its
lightweight allows transporters to ship the plastic at a lower cost. Cheaper production
and transportation allow acrylic and plexiglass manufacturers to sell their product at a
significantly lower price than glass. Ultimately, savings for the manufactures add up to
cost savings for business owners and consumers.
 Stronger
Acrylic plastic sheets have 17 times the impact strength of traditional glass. It takes a lot
direct more force to shatter plexiglass sheeting. If you live in a hurricane or tornado-
prone region, plexiglass will perform far beyond any protection that traditional glass
offers. Additionally, acrylic sheeting will significantly reduce the risk of a stranger
breaking into your home. If a window will not break within a few seconds, most burglars
will quit their attempts of forcible entry.
 Safer
While clear plexiglass is strong, it can brake with enough persistence or the right
amount of force. However, unlike glass, acrylic plastic sheeting does not shatter into a
thousand minuscule shards of dangerous glass.
 Easier to Use

Especially for an architectural project, glass is too brittle, rigid, and heavy to use when
creating unique, large-scale shapes and pieces. Plexiglass, on the other hand, is made
up of flexible polymers that make it easier to move, cut, and install.

 Better Light Transmission

You might be surprised to learn that acrylic sheeting is more transparent than glass. In
fact, clear plexiglass sheets allow for more than 90% of light to pass through it!
Furthermore, acrylic does not show glare and reflections. Unlike glass, acrylic does not
become discolored as the sheeting thickness increases.
 More Special Qualities

Plexiglass or acrylic sheeting is the most versatile type of plastic on the market!
Numerous special types of acrylic can be manufactured to meet customized needs,
including mirrored, colored and fluorescent, abrasion-resistant, light-diffusing, anti-static,
bullet-resistant, UV-filtering, and many more.

Polycarbonate Sheeting

Due to the limitations of glass and acrylic sheeting when used in certain environments
and demanding applications, polycarbonate sheeting was developed to meet industry
needs. Facilities like schools, subways, bus shelters, and psychiatric facilities needed a
window material with high impact resistance, structural strength, and design flexibility.
Although more expensive, polycarbonate plastics are significantly superior to acrylic and
glass windows.
 250x Stronger Than Glass, and 30x Stronger Than Acrylic
Clear polycarbonate plastic has an incredible level of impact resistance, but it is also
just as clear as glass. It provides a margin of safety that no other clear glazing material
on the market can surpass.
 Superior Structural Support

Compared to glass, polycarbonate sheets are lightweight, but they require less
structural support than any other glass systems. Glass and acrylic materials are
structurally limited when faced with demanding architectural projects. However,
polycarbonate plastic sheets succeed where many other plastic and non-plastic
materials have failed.

 Variety of Grades
Clear polycarbonate sheets can be made to fit the performance requirement for any
project. For example, Makrolon GP Sheets excel when used in glazing and industrial
applications. It protects against accidental breakage and intentional
vandalism. Makrolon SL Sheeting, on the other hand, is perfect for applications with
exposure to extreme sunlight, such as sign faces, covered walkways, thermoformed
skylights, and more. Even under constant UV-rays, this grade of polycarbonate will not
become yellow, hazy, or loose its levels of light transmission.
 Design Flexibility On-Site

Glass and acrylic materials require pre-forming and fabrication before installation.
Polycarbonate sheeting can be cut or cold-formed on-site.

 Specialty Sheets
Like acrylic, manufactures make polycarbonate plastic into many different types of
products with unique performance capabilities. Plastic manufacturers can make
polycarbonate sheets: bulletproof, colored, mirrored, tinted, anti-static, abrasion-
resistant, and much more.