ABSTRACT
In construction, plastics (i.e., polymers) have enabled man to reach for stars–design multitude of architectural shapes and forms, create inexpensive, structurally sound buildings, impart durable paints and coatings to surfaces, and provide exceptional weather protection to buildings. The significance of polymers in building materials is far reaching and growing by day. The list of synthetic polymers is endless, and new polymer formulations are registered every day. Awareness of basic science of synthetic polymers is necessary in order to understand the nature of beast, to address the potential health impact of plastic building materials. Polymerization is a means whereby monomers are processed. These monomers are bonded together by one, or combination, of two main processes–condensation polymerization and addition polymerization. Based on polymer properties, plastics are labeled as thermoset plastics and thermoplastic polymers. Today, everywhere we look plastic consumer goods, clothing, and building materials; new formulations and polymers are developed with increased gusto as we catapult into twenty-first century.
