Polymers in construction
A polymer is a substance which has a molecular structure built up chiefly or completely from a large number of similar units bonded together. In basic terms, polymers are very long molecules typically made up of many thousands of repeat units.
Many synthetic and organic materials are based on polymers, including; plastics, rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, adhesives, foams, paints and sealants. Polymer materials account for the highest growth area in construction materials. Well-established applications of polymers in construction include products used for flooring, windows, cladding, pipes, membranes, seals, insulation, and so on. With thousands of commercially available polymers new applications are emerging all the time.
However, the introduction of polymeric materials has brought with it new concerns, particularly relating to their longevity, how they are affected by ageing and weathering, the effects of pollution, environmental and sustainability issues, fire performance, re-use, recycling or disposal at their end of life and so on.
Examples of polymer materials in construction include:
- Epoxy resins: Solid resin, Terrazzo flooring, anchor fixings and adhesives.
- Ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE): Fabric structures.
- Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA): Solar panel encapsulants.
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS): Concrete moulds, insulation and packaging.
- Polycarbonate: Lighting housings, fittings in hot water systems and glazing.
- Polyester: FRP Bridge sections, cladding panels, sinks, surfaces and coatings.
- Polyethylene: Foam underlay, damp-proof membranes and coatings.
- Polyisobutylene (PIB): Sealants and waterproof membranes.
- Polymethylmethacrylate / Acyrlic (PMMA): Surfaces and sinks.
- Polypropylene (PP): Sound insulation, and pipes.
- Polyurethane (PU): Sealants and concrete jointing.
- Polyvinylchloride (PVC): Sealants, concrete jointing and fabric structures.
- Rubber: Bridge bearings and flooring.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Acrylic.
- Bitumen binder may delay road surface deterioration.
- Carbon fibre.
- Composites.
- EVA film.
- Fabric structures.
- Glass reinforced plastic GRP.
- Graphene.
- Nylon.
- Plastic.
- Plastic cladding.
- Plastic coating market.
- Polycarbonate plastic.
- Polyethylene.
- Polymeric flooring.
- Polypropylene.
- Polystyrene.
- Polyurethane (PUR).
- Polyvinyl chloride PVC.
- Rubber.
- Sealants.
- Types of materials.
- Wood plastic composites market for construction.
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.