Building & Construction Applications
 Phthalate plasticisers are
extensively used in PVC for the building and construction
industry
PVC is the most widely used polymer in building and construction
applications and over 50 per cent of Western Europe’s annual
PVC production is used in this sector. This includes a considerable
amount of flexible PVC that is plasticised with
phthalates.
Cladding and roof membranes
PVC cladding (facing for buildings) is designed as a long
life product requiring little maintenance. PVC’s durability,
high thermal insulation and excellent weathering performance with
good resistance to UV light and ozone, mean that cladding can
remain in place for many years.
Examples of such use include Le Stade de France which hosts
France’s major sporting events. The 80,000 capacity
stadium is completely covered by a flexible PVC roof which can be
moved in order to convert the stadium from a football/rugby
format to an athletics stadium and concert arena through a system
of receding tiers. The PVC roof also overhangs the outer walls
– giving shelter to spectators waiting outside.
Another example is one of the world's biggest free-standing
halls in Brand in Germany which houses a new commercial
airship. The 107 metres high and 360 metres long structure is
covered by a roof made up from curved steel girders, covered with a
plasticised PVC membrane.
Cables, flooring and wallcoverings
Plasticised polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most widely used
electrical insulation material in use today. It is the most
commonly specified material for protecting wires in the many
thousands of different types of machines and appliances that we
have come to rely upon in our everyday lives. It is also the
preferred insulation for many of the cables used in building and
construction projects, from homes to office and factories. About 25
per cent of all plasticised PVC is used by the wire, cable and
electrical industries. More on cables
and wiring.
Plasticised PVC makes comfortable, safe and stylish floors for
buildings of every size and use all over the world and at a price
within the reach of millions. These floors are no less than a quiet
revolution dependent on phthalate plasticisers. More on flooring.
Soft PVC wallcoverings are a favourite in homes and all types of
public buildings because of their enormous range of styles,
long-life and unbeatable cost effectiveness. The success of PVC for
wallcoverings depends on phthalate plasticisers which not only
allow the polymer to be soft and flexible but also facilitiate key
asesthetic, design and hygiene qualities.
For more information on the use of flexible PVC in
building and construction materials please refer to:
|
