PLASTICS BY KIM JONES 179711

WHAT ARE PLASTICS? Plastics are synthetic polymers made from salt, water, chlorine and other additives, depending on the required product and its intended use, collectively they are known as PVC’s – polyvinyl chloride. A useful website for those wanting a more in depth explanation of PVC, its elements and the manufacturing process. www.pvc.org PVC’s can be further broken down into groups depending on their application.

TYPES OF PVC AND THEIR USES 70 – 80% of PVC manufactured in Australia, is used in the building and construction industry. Uses for PVC in residential buildings include: uPVC – rigid unplasticised used by plumbers for piping – household, stormwater and drainage Flexible PVC- used as coating on electric wiring and as lagging on hot water and gas pipes.

Polyethelene (PPE) –a film used as a waterproof membrane under concrete slabs and footings - a coating on products used for termite protection such as Trithor, Granitgard strip shielding and insulation products such as Aircell. Although not widely used in Australia, PVC is also as wall cladding and soffit linings, available in a wide range of colours and textured finishes.

An Australian company, inframe glazing systems designs and manufactures PVC windows and sliding doors. The PVC has UV stablizers and colours added at the point of manufacture making it attractive in appearance and available in a wide range of colours and is resistant to weathering. inframe is WERS accredited company and a member of the HIA

PVC and polyethelene fabrics are used to protect domestic buildings from the weather in the form of sun blinds and shade sails.

KEY PROPERTIES Strong and lightweight - abrasion resistant, tough Easy to install – can be cut, shaped, welded and joined Durable – resistant to weathering, rotting, chemical corrosion, shock and abrasion so suitable for long-life and outdoor products above and below ground

Cost effective Cheap compared with timber and metals Easy to use - can be cut using a saw or scissors depending on type of plastic Enhanced by factors of durability, lifespan and low maintenance. No painting required – colours and UV stablisers added at point of manufacture Easy to clean Versatile – varied applications

Environmental impact – lighter than concrete, metal and timber using less energy to transport and install. durability reduces replacement costs excellent thermal insulation of PVC windows, cladding and roofing increase energy efficiency able to be recycled fire resistant and less combustible – HCL gas given off as an aid to early detection

There has been much conjecture over the years about the impact of plastics on human health and the environment. Modern manufacturing processes are strictly governed in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety Act, within Australia and around the world. The Act ensures that end product plastics are safe to humans and the environment. Products made to come into contact with potable water contain no dioxins.

Plastics which humans or the environment have direct contact with are stabilised so no harmful chemicals used in the manufacturing process are able to “leach out”, due to physical contact via touch or inhalation, weathering or cutting for installation. The Plastics Industry, aware of the common perception that plastics are harmful, have initiated a Product Stewardship Program to address environmental and health issues associated with the life-cycle of PVC’s, from point of manufacture to end of life. There is a strong industry emphasis placed on recycling.

APPLICATIONS OF PVC IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND RELEVANT CODES AND STANDARDS PRODUCT BCA AS Waterproof membrane – polyethylene film ( black plastic ) Part 3.2 Footings and Slabs 3.2.2 Preparation 3.2.2.6 Vapour barriers. p 117 AS 2870 - 1996 Section 5 Detailing Requirements 5.3.3 Vapour barriers and damp-proofing membranes p 43. Trithor Termite Protection Barrier Granitguard – strip shielding Part 3.1 Site Preparation 3.1.3 Termite Risk Management pp 98- 107. Draincoil flexible corrugated poly pipe – retaining walls 3.1.2 Drainage 3.1.2.2 (b)Drainage requirements p 92 AS 2439 Perforated plastics drainage & effluent pipe & fittings In –slab plumbing – heating cables & pipes AS 2870 – 1996 5.3.6 Heating cables & pipes p 46. 5.5.4 Plumbing requirements p 49. Guttering & downpipes Part 3.5 Roof and Wall Cladding 3.5.2 Gutters and Downpipes pp 235 - 239 AS 1273 Unplasticised PVC (uPVC) downpipe and fittings for rainwater In – house plumbing- water - gas Windows & sliding doors Part 3.6 Glazing Pp 247 - 261 AS 1288 - 1994

As the use of PVC is widespread within the drainage APPLICATIONS OF PVC IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND RELEVANT CODES AND STANDARDS PRODUCT BCA AS Wall cladding & soffits Part 3.5 Roof & Wall Cladding Part 3.5.3 Wall Cladding NOTE: Does not specifically deal with PVC cladding. As the use of PVC is widespread within the drainage and plumbing area of residential buildings another useful source of information is The Plumbing Code of Australia.

SUPPLIERS OF PVC PRODUCTS Vinidex- Australian manufacturer of DRAINCOIL Corrugated Subsoil Drainage Pipe & fittings uPVC pipes & fittings for stormwater and sewerage applications inframe glazing systems – manufacturers of windows & sliding doors Bartlett – local manufacturers of blinds, shade sails & water storage products NOTE: This list is not comprehensive