SOCIETAL BENEFITS OF PLASTICS - Plastics and Environmental Sustainability - page 202

readily burn in a fire emitting smoke as well as CO and other gases (Stec
and Hull, 2011; Yi et al., 2011). Smoke inhalation is well known to be the
predominant cause of death in building fires. PU, being a thermoset, does
not melt in a fire, whereas thermoplastic polystyrene does melt around
240°C. Flammability of insulation is controlled to some extent by using
flame-retardant additives in the insulation.

The various applications of plastic materials in building construction are
summarized in Table 5.8 , which include both thermoplastics and thermoset
materials. The number of + symbols qualitatively indicates the volume use
oftheparticularplasticmaterialinthespecificproductcategory.Inaddition
to the main product categories discussed already, the table includes
low-volume products such as plastics used in roofing or as moisture control
films.

Table 5.8 Main Types of thermoplastics Used in Building
Construction

PVC HDPE LDPE EPS PU a ABS b PB EPDM c

Pipe and conduit +++ +++ + + +

Siding, fascia, soffit +++ +

Rainwater systems ++
Insulation +++ +++

Windows/doors ++

Flooring ++

Moisture control ++

Roofing membrane d ++ ++

a Polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foam.

b (Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) copolymer.
c (Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) polymer is an elastomer.
d Plasticized grade of PVC is used.