Unit 22: Materials Science
C: Investigate the benefits and limitations of polymer technology.
Polymers for a purpose.
Advantages and disadvantages of plastic:
Plastics are convenient options for at home day to day uses and for use in industry due to
the fact that they are lightweight and cheap. This also means it is easier to get hold of for a
variety of different uses. Plastic packaging is a very hygienic packaging material which helps
elongate product durability, for example, food products are packaged in plastic to keep the
food fresher for a longer period of time. Although there are many advantages of plastics,
the convenience of the material can also be extremely disadvantageous to our environment,
for example, since it is so easily accessible and used a lot globally in day-to-day life, this also
means it is being discarded as fast as it is being used and due to the lack of recyclable or bio-
degradable properties of most plastics, this means that when discarded into the
environment, the plastic is not breaking down and is often being consumed by and killing
animals, plastic in the environment also often ends up clogs waterways, oceans, seas and
lakes.
Alternatives are often used in place of plastics as an eco-friendlier option and new materials
are being made without consideration for their environmental impact, for example, glass;
however, “A previous report from Green Alliance, published in August, also warned of the
dangers of single-use plastic alternatives, pointing out that all materials have environmental
impacts – glass, for example, produces considerably higher carbon emissions than plastic or
aluminium”
https://resource.co/article/plastic-alternatives-may-cause-greater-environmental-harm-says-new-report
Using alternatives is often not the best option in some circumstances, for example, PVC is
an ideal option for many construction uses such as window profiles in comparison to
other materials such as aluminium, although aluminium is strong and recyclable, PVC has
better insulating properties which means it is able to reduce energy and heating costs –
the energy saving potential when using PVC window frames is particularly high in
comparison to other material options. However, with regards to energy saving
properties, wood window profiles are naturally more energy efficient, and they are also
eco-friendly, but they are not as strong and durable as PVC. Ultimately, PVC is ideal for
window profiles as it possesses both energy saving properties as well as strength and
durability.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
, “Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is one of the most widely used polymers in the world. Due to its
versatile nature, PVC is used extensively across a broad range of industrial, technical and
everyday applications including widespread use in building, transport, packaging,
electrical/electronic and healthcare applications.” https://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/polymers/pvc.aspx
Benefits of PVC:
- Lightweight
- Strong
- Touch
- Can be easily cut, shaped, welded and joined easily
Limitations of PVC:
- Properties can change over time due to plasticizer migration
- Flexible PVC has lower chemical resistance than rigid PVC
- Rigid PVC has low continuous service temperature of 50°C
PVC in construction
PVC is used extensively for a wide range of products involved in construction. PVC is
strong, lightweight and durable, therefore making it ideal for window profiles. PVC is also
flame retardant and has electrical insulating properties, so it would not be susceptible to
electrical burns or corrosion – which would be extremely dangerous. Since PVC can also
easily be cut and shaped, this is another reason it is ideal for cabling applications.
Other examples of PVC use in construction include:
Window and door profiles, conservatories and atria
Pipes and fittings
Power, data and telecoms wiring and cables
Cable and services ducting
Internal and external cladding
Roofing and ceiling systems and membranes
Rainwater, soil and waste systems
Flooring
Wallcoverings
PVC in sports
https://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/polymers/pvc.aspx#Electronics
“As PVC is a highly versatile construction material with a favourable environmental footprint it is
extensively used in the construction of sporting venues. This includes use in seating, roofing,
floorings as well as piping and electrical wiring.“ https://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/polymers/pvc.aspx#Electronics
PVC is also used for clothes and shoes for athletes, as well as the surface they compete on.
