Building Materials: Glass, Plastics, and Steel

Posted on May 2, 2024 in Technology

Building Materials

Glass

Glass is an inorganic, amorphous, and isotropic material that has been used for centuries. Its properties vary depending on the temperature, but it is generally transparent or translucent, waterproof, hard, brittle, and chemically resistant.

Properties of Glass

Physical Properties
  • Density: 2.5 kg/dm3 for common glass, 4.5 kg/dm3 for leaded glass
  • Thermal Properties: Low thermal expansion and conductivity
  • Optical Properties: High light permeability and solar factor
  • Mechanical Properties: High hardness and fragility, high compression and tensile strength
  • Chemical Durability: Resistant to most chemicals except hydrofluoric acid

Types of Commercial Glass

Monolayer Glass
  • Float Glass: Flat sheets with variable dimensions and thickness
  • Tempered Glass: Strong and shatter-resistant glass used for safety doors
  • Cast Glass: Molded glass with various shapes and textures
  • Armed Glass: Glass with embedded wire mesh for added strength
  • Coated Glass: Glass with special coatings for various purposes, such as reflection or energy efficiency
Sheet Glass
  • Laminated Glass: Glass with alternating layers of plastic for safety and security
  • Double Glazing: Two layers of glass with an air chamber for insulation
  • Solar Control Glass: Tinted or coated glass to reduce heat gain
Fiberglass
  • Fibers and filaments used for insulation, reinforcement, and other applications
Other Types of Glass
  • Electrochromic glass, structural glass, fire-resistant glass, etc.

Plastics

Plastics are synthetic organic materials derived from polymers. They are lightweight, versatile, and have a wide range of properties.

Properties of Plastics

  • Density: Similar to wood, 1-2 kg/dm3
  • Mechanical Properties: Variable strength depending on the type of plastic and temperature
  • Thermal and Acoustic Insulation: Generally good insulators
  • Electrical Insulation: Good insulators
  • Water Absorption: Generally low
  • Chemical Resistance: Resistant to many chemicals
  • Combustibility: Many plastics are flammable and emit toxic gases when burned
  • Appearance: Available in various shapes, colors, and textures

Classification of Plastics

Thermoplastics

Plastics that can be melted and reshaped multiple times.

  • PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Used for pipes, electrical insulation, flooring, etc.
  • PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate): Used for adhesives and paints
  • PS (Polystyrene): Used for insulation, packaging, etc.
  • ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Hard, opaque plastic used for various applications
  • PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate): Transparent plastic used for windows, signs, etc.
  • PA (Polyamide): High-strength plastic used for gears, bearings, etc.
  • PE (Polyethylene): Used for bags, films, pipes, etc.
  • PP (Polypropylene): Used for pipes, containers, etc.
  • PC (Polycarbonate): Strong, transparent plastic used for eyeglasses, bottles, etc.
Thermosetting Plastics

Plastics that harden permanently after being heated and cannot be remelted.

  • PF (Phenolic Resins): Used for electrical components, adhesives, etc.
  • UF (Urea-Formaldehyde): Used for adhesives, coatings, etc.
  • MF (Melamine-Formaldehyde): Used for laminates, dinnerware, etc.
  • UP (Unsaturated Polyester): Used for coatings, furniture, etc.
  • PUR (Polyurethane): Used for foam insulation, coatings, etc.
  • Epoxy: Used for adhesives, coatings, etc.
  • Silicones: Used for sealants, adhesives, etc.

Steel

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, known for its strength and durability.

Types of Commercial Steel

Flat Products
  • Strip: Thin, flat steel with a width less than 20cm
  • Plate: Flat steel with a thickness between 4-10mm and a width less than 20cm
  • Sheet: Thin, flat steel with a thickness of 0.6-20mm and a width less than 60cm
Long Products
  • Bars: Steel bars with various cross-sections, such as round, square, or hexagonal
  • Rods: Steel rods with a circular cross-section
  • Wire: Thin, flexible steel with a small diameter
Structural Shapes
  • Beams: I-beams, H-beams, channels, angles, etc.
Other Steel Products
  • Keys, screws, rivets, cables, mesh, etc.