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
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.