Construction
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Check out the following construction applications:
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Semiconductor Manufacturing Applications
A semiconductor is a solid material whose electrical conductivity at room temperature is between that of a conductor and that of an insulator. Plastics are used extensively throughout the semiconductor industry, especially where high-temperature processing is required. Some of the main characteristics of plastics are: stability at high and low temperatures, ability to be unaffected by harsh chemicals, and ability to provide clean and contaminant-free surfaces. Plastics continually replace metal parts such as wafer handling, bearing surfaces, processing vessels, parts carriers, and IC test equipment sockets and handlers.
Electrical Power & Electronics
Some plastics are ideal for use in electrical and electronic applications because these can withstand high voltages and high temperatures without melting or changing. Composite materials, mostly used for this industry, produce components with mechanical strength and high dielectric constants. The uses of these composites range from electrode insulators (Vespel), transformer and capacitor insulation (Kapton), seals and gaskets (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene-PTFE), and microwaves (Rexolite Cross-Linked Polystyrene). Properties like temperature resistance, mechanical strength, weight, and water absorption may be considered when choosing a given type of plastic.
If you want more information on the different type of plastics, go to “An Introduction to Plastics” to find an extensive list of these and other plastics.
Materials Handling
Material handling equipment such as conveyors, carts, wheels, rollers, slides, and transportation equipment are ideal applications for plastics. Plastics are flexible and tough enough to withstand rough treatment and abuse without breaking. Bearings and wear surfaces made from plastics are tough and decrease friction.
Logging & Forestry
Plastics are frequently used in manufacturing and maintenance of the heavy equipment used to log, transport, and process trees. Because of their toughness, durability, and high impact strength, plastics are used for wear plates, bearings, rollers, and other load-bearing members in this industry.
If you want to know more about the uses of plastics in construction, contact the Construction Council at the following address: info@csc-ca.org. This group works to improve and increase the plastics used in construction. They have created a user's guide for thermal insulation as well as aided in the revision of the eco-logo for thermal-foam plastic insulation.
For further information on plastics in construction visit the following links:
www.plasticsindustry.org/AboutPlastics/content.cfm?ItemNumber=634&navItemNumber=1118
www.cpia.ca/construction
http://www.cpia.ca/greenbuilding/
www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/sec_content.asp?CID=1079&DID=4233
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