Page 683 - Carrahers_Polymer_Chemistry,_Eighth_Edition

646 Carraher’s Polymer Chemistry

TABLE 19.3
Use of Materials in Building and Construction
Percentage by Weight
Material Weight (Billions of Pounds)
Concrete* 250 50
Lumber* 60 12
Ceramic* 50 10
Wood panels* 20 4
Iron and steel 15 3
Plastics* 10 2
Other† 95 19
* Indicates a polymeric material.
† Some of these are polymeric, such as paints, sealants, and coatings.

TABLE 19.4
Common Applications of Polymers in Home Construction
Application Typical Polymers Used
Foundation Cement (concrete)
Framing Wood
Thermal insulation Foamed polystyrene, polyurethane, Fiberglas®
Vapor barrier Polyethylene
Siding Wood, polyvinyl chloride
Paints Acrylics, polyurethanes
Electrical insulation Polyisoprene (rubber), chlorinated polyethylene
Flooring Wood, complex silicates (cement/ceramic tile), carpet (nylon, polyester, polyolefi n)
®
Roofing Plywood (sheathing), Fiberglas (shingles), complex silicates (cement,

ceramic tile)

TABLE 19.5
Major Plastic Applications in Building and Construction
Plastic Use(s)
ASA Window frames
Acrylics Lighting fixtures and glazing

PVC and chlorinated PVC Hot and cold water pipe; moldings, siding, window frames, fl oor tiles
Melamine and urea formaldehyde Laminating for counter tops, adhesives for wood, plywood, and particle board
Phenol formaldehyde Electrical devices and plywood adhesive
P(ethylene terephthalate) Counter tops and sinks
Polycarbonates Window and skylight glazing
Polyethylene Pipes, wire and cable coverings, plastic lumber, vapor barriers
Poly(ethylene oxide) Roofi ng panels
Polystyrene Insulation and sheathing
Polyurethane Insulation and roofi ng systems
Polypropylene Vapor barrier sheeting, pallets, brushes

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