Как обшить лоджию пластиковыми панелями своими руками: Как сделать обшивку балкона из пластиковых панелей, пошаговая инструкция

Обшивка балкона пластиковыми панелями своими руками

После того как установлено остекление на балконе, можно приступать к его внутренней отделке своими руками. Довольно часто в последнее время стала применяться обшивка балкона пластиковыми панелями. Этот современный материал многие уже успели оценить по достоинству.

Помимо привлекательного и оригинального внешнего вида таких панелей, многие потребители отдают предпочтение этому материалу за его высокие эксплуатационные характеристики. Давайте познакомимся с этим видом облицовки немного подробнее.

Почему стоит выбирать именно их

Пластиковые панели изготавливаются из экологически чистого материала, легки в монтаже и уходе, имеют привлекательный внешний вид, способны прослужить до 30 лет.

Преимущества перед другими отделочными материалами

Этот обшивочный материал имеет ряд преимуществ перед другими способами отделки балконов:

• Деревянная вагонка и керамическая плитка, конечно, являются натуральными материалами. Но такая отделка балкона обойдется в несколько раз дороже. Именно за доступность цены, многие выбирают пластик.
• Пластиковые панели и остекление ПВХ профилем отлично сочетаются друг с другом. Кроме того, такая обшивка отлично комбинируется с другими облицовочными материалами.

• В отличие от многих других способов отделки, в процессе монтажа пластиковых панелей, балкон можно качественно утеплить. Для этого используются современные листовые теплоизоляторы.

Плюсы обшивки балкона пластиковыми панелями

Облицовка балкона своими руками такими панелями производится быстро и легко. Кроме этого, такая обшивка имеет следующие положительные свойства:

• Устойчивость пластика к воздействию влаги и не подверженность образованию грибков и плесени.
• Современный поливинилхлорид, из которого изготавливаются панели, устойчив к воздействию прямых солнечных лучей и низких температур. Кроме того, производителям удалось добиться устойчивости материала к открытому огню, без снижения остальных свойств.

• Устойчивость такой облицовки ко многим видам загрязнений обеспечивает легкость ухода за ней. При необходимости, достаточно вымыть панели мягкой салфеткой с теплой мыльной водой.
• Для монтажа обшивки нет необходимости выравнивать несущие поверхности.
• Такая отделка отлично подходит под остекление пластиковыми окнами.
• Просто огромный выбор разнообразных цветов и фактуры, а также имитируемых материалов. Вы сможете подобрать расцветку под свой вкус и создать неповторимый интерьер своими руками.

Совет! Перед тем как приступать к выбору панелей, необходимо примерно рассчитать необходимое количество материала. При этом приобретать следует на 10% больше. Этот запас необходим, ведь в процессе монтажа можно случайно повредить панель и при резке часто остаются небольшие куски.

Как выбрать качественный материал

В связи с растущей популярностью пластиковых панелей, на рынке стройматериалов появилось большое количество некачественных подделок. Чтобы не приобрести такую облицовку, при выборе панелей следует обращать внимание на такие нюансы:

• Панель, изготовленная из качественного материала, довольно гибкая, обладает при этом довольно хорошей прочностью. Если надавить пальцами на лицевую сторону, материал не должен быть сильно жестким, а самостоятельно выравниваться.
• Лицевая поверхность панели должна быть гладкой. При этом выпускают облицовку двух видов: с матовым и глянцевым покрытием.
• Для хорошей прочности обшивки предусмотрены ребра жесткости, которых должно быть достаточно много. Малое количество таких ребер говорит о низком качестве материала.
• Качественная панель имеет белый цвет обратной стороны, на которой не должно быть инородных вкраплений и пятен. Серый цвет говорит об изготовлении из вторсырья.
• Соедините между собой две панели – должен раздаться отчетливый характерный щелчок, говорящий о высоком качестве замкового соединения. Материал с ненадежными замками довольно быстро придет в негодность.

Следуя этим несложным советам, легко можно выбрать качественный материал, установка которого своими руками не доставит хлопот.

Процесс монтажа пластиковых панелей

Технология установки обшивки балкона подразделяется на несколько этапов, которые неразрывно связаны между собой и выполняются в порядке очередности.

Подготовка парапета

Перед тем как произвести остекление, необходимо должным образом переоборудовать парапет балкона. Для этого чаще всего используют два способа:

1. Возведение нового парапета из пеноблоков, которые обладают легким весом и достаточной прочностью, чтобы выдержать остекление. Для этого необходимо полностью демонтировать старое ограждение и на его месте возвести новое.
2. Обновление и усиление старой конструкции. Для этого на существующее металлическое ограждение навариваются новые уголки или профили, обеспечивающие надежность конструкции.

Совет! Оба метода подразумевают обшивку балкона снаружи. Чаще всего для этого используют листы профнастила или пластиковую вагонку. Оба материала легко монтируются своими руками до того, как было установлено остекление.

Установка остекления

На современных балконах сейчас чаще всего устанавливают остекление из пластиковых или алюминиевых профилей. При этом монтаж рам может выполняться как фирмой производителем, так и своими руками, в этом нет ничего сложного.

Если вы устанавливаете остекление самостоятельно, необходимо обратить внимание на такие особенности:

• Выставить рамы по уровню в горизонтальной и вертикальной плоскости. Зафиксировать их деревянными распорками.
• Закрепить рамы специальными креплениями. При этом с каждой стороны должно быть не менее трех креплений.
• Заделать все щели строительной пеной.

Установка обрешетки

Чтобы не заниматься утомительным выравниванием поверхности стен, проще всего установить деревянный каркас. Это существенно ускорит и облегчит процесс монтажа пластиковых панелей. Каркас монтируется следующим образом:

• Специалисты рекомендуют использовать П-образное крепление, которое монтируется к стене при помощи дюбелей.
• Затем крепление сгибается и на необходимом уровне к нему мелкими саморезами прикручиваются бруски каркаса.
• Следует использовать длинный строительный уровень, чтобы контролировать расположение реек в одной плоскости. Это обеспечит облицовке ровность поверхности.
• Следует помнить, что нужно установить бруски каркаса по всем углам балкона, к ним будут крепиться направляющие.
• Шаг между рейками обрешетки не должен быть слишком большим: 40–50 см – оптимальный вариант.

Совет! Особое внимание нужно обратить на направление монтажа обрешетки. Здесь следует помнить простое правило: бруски каркаса располагаются перпендикулярно монтажу облицовки.

Монтаж панелей

После того как установлено остекление и все подготовительные работы завершены, можно переходить непосредственно к установке панелей своими руками. Для того чтобы обшивка балкона получилась идеальной и долго радовала вас своим презентабельным видом, необходимо придерживаться такой технологии монтажа:

• Установка начинается с потолка.
• По углам, на подготовленный ранее каркас набивается стартовый профиль. Иногда используют универсальную J-планку.
• Затем у первой панели срезается кант. Делается это для более плотного вхождения и закрепления панели в стартовом профиле.
• Заведя панель в профиль, второй ее край прибивается к обрешетке. Для этих целей подходят небольшие гвоздики или саморезы. Самым простым и быстрым способом закрепить панель является использование строительного степлера.
• Следующая панель соединяется с предыдущей замковым соединением. Здесь важно тщательно и плотно скрепить панели, чтобы не было не сомкнувшихся участков.
• Свободный край также прибивается к каркасу.
• Аналогичным способом устанавливаются все последующие панели.
• Последнюю деталь, скорее всего, придется подрезать по всей длине для подгона по размерам, после чего она заводится в стартовую планку, которая уже установлена.

Совет! Некоторые модели панелей имеют специальную монтажную полоску с обратной стороны. Удалив этот элемент, можно без труда выполнить облицовку своими руками внутренних и внешних углов.

Из этой статьи видно, что пластиковые панели заслуженно пользуются популярностью при самостоятельной обшивке балконов. Легкий и прочный, современный материал позволяет не только выполнить отделку стен и потолка, но с его помощью также можно обшить оконные и дверные проемы на балконе.

90000 How Plastics Are Made 90001 90002 90003 The Basics of Plastic Manufacturing 90004 90005 90002 The term «plastics» includes materials composed of various elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, and sulfur. Plastics typically have high molecular weight, meaning each molecule can have thousands of atoms bound together. Naturally occurring materials, such as wood, horn and rosin, are also composed of molecules of high molecular weight.The manufactured or synthetic plastics are often designed to mimic the properties of natural materials. Plastics, also called polymers, are produced by the conversion of natural products or by the synthesis from primary chemicals generally coming from oil, natural gas, or coal. 90005 90002 Most plastics are based on the carbon atom. Silicones, which are based on the silicon atom, are an exception. The carbon atom can link to other atoms with up to four chemical bonds. When all of the bonds are to other carbon atoms, diamonds or graphite or carbon black soot may result.For plastics the carbon atoms are also connected to the aforementioned hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, or sulfur. When the connections of atoms result in long chains, like pearls on a string of pearls, the polymer is called a thermoplastic. Thermoplastics are characterized by being meltable. The thermoplastics all have repeat units, the smallest section of the chain that is identical. We call these repeat units unit cells. The vast majority of plastics, about 92%, are thermoplastics 90009 1 90010.90005 90002 The groups of atoms that are used to make unit cells are called monomers. For some plastics, such as polyethylene, the repeat unit can be just one carbon atom and two hydrogen atoms. For other plastics, such as nylons, the repeat unit can involve 38 or more atoms. When we combine monomers, we generate polymers or plastics. Raw materials form monomers that can be or are used to form unit cells. Monomers are used form polymers or plastics 90005 90002 When the connection of the carbon atoms forms two and three-dimensional networks instead of one-dimension chains, the polymer will be a thermoset plastic.Thermoset plastics are characterized by not being meltable. Thermoset plastics, such as epoxy adhesives or unsaturated polyester boat hulls and bathtubs or the phenolic adhesives used to make plywood, are created by the user mixing two chemicals and immediately using the mixture before the plastic «sets up» or cures. 90005 90002 The formation of the repeat units for thermoplastics usually begins with the formation of small carbon-based molecules that can be combined to form monomers. The monomers, in turn, are joined together by chemical polymerization mechanisms to form polymers.The raw material formation may begin by separating the hydrocarbon chemicals from natural gas, petroleum, or coal into pure streams of chemicals. Some are then processed in a «cracking process.» Here, in the presence of a catalyst, raw materials molecules are converted into monomers such as ethylene (ethene) C2h5, propylene (propene) C3H6, and butene C4H8 and others. All of these monomers contain double bonds between carbon atoms such that the carbon atoms can subsequently react to form polymers.90005 90002 Other raw material chemicals are isolated from petroleum, such as benzene and xylenes. These chemicals are reacted with others to form the monomers for polystyrene, nylons, and polyesters. The raw materials have been changed into monomers and no longer contain the petroleum fractions. Still other raw materials can be obtained from renewable resources, such as cellulose from wood to make cellulose butyrate. For the polymerization step to work efficiently, the monomers must be very pure.All manufacturers purify raw materials and monomers, capturing unused raw materials for reuse and byproducts for proper disposition. 90005 90002 Monomers are then chemically bonded into chains called polymers.There are two basic mechanisms for polymerization: addition reactions and condensation reactions. For addition reactions a special catalyst is added, frequently a peroxide, that causes one monomer to link to the next and that to the next and so on. Catalysts do not cause reactions to occur, but cause the reactions to happen more rapidly.Addition polymerization, used for polyethylene and polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride among others, creates no byproducts. The reactions can be done in the gaseous phase dispersed in liquids. The second polymerization mechanism, condensation polymerization, uses catalysts to have all monomers react with any adjacent monomer. The reaction results in two monomers forming dimers (two unit cells) plus a byproduct. Dimers can combine to form tetramers (four unit cells) and so on. For condensation polymerization the byproducts must be removed for the chemical reaction to produce useful products.Some byproducts are water, which is treated and disposed. Other byproducts are raw materials and recycled for reuse within the process. The removal of byproducts is conducted so that valuable recycled raw materials are not lost to the environment or exposed to populations. Condensation reactions are typically done in a mass of molten polymer. Polyesters and nylons are made by condensation polymerization. 90005 90002 Different combinations of monomers can yield plastic resins with different properties and characteristics.When all monomers are the same, the polymer is called a homopolymer. When more than one monomer is used, the polymer is called a copolymer. Plastic milk jugs are an example of homopolymer HDPE. Milk is satisfactorily packaged in the less expensive homopolymer HDPE. Laundry detergent bottles are an example of copolymer HDPE. The aggressive nature of the detergent makes a copolymer the right choice for best service function. Each monomer yields a plastic resin with specific properties and characteristics.Combinations of monomers produce copolymers with further property variations. So, within each polymer type, such as nylons, polyesters, polyethylenes, etc, manufacturers can custom make plastics that have specific features. Polyethylenes can be made to be rigid or flexible. Polyesters can be made to be low temperature melting adhesives or high temperature resistant automobile parts. The resulting thermoplastic polymers may be melted to form many different kinds of plastic products with application in many major markets.The variability of the plastic either within plastic family types or among family types permits a plastic to be tailored to a specific design and performance requirements. This is why certain plastics are best suited for some applications while others are best suited for entirely different applications. No one plastic is best for all needs. 90005 90002 Some examples of material properties in plastic product applications are: 90005 90026 90027 Hot-filled packaging used for products such as ketchup 90028 90027 Chemical-resistant packaging used for products such as bleach 90028 90027 Impact strength of car bumpers 90028 90033 90034 90002 90003 The Structure of Polymers 90004 90005 90002 As we have discussed, polymers can be homopolymers or copolymers.If the long chains show a continuous link of carbon-to-carbon atoms, the structure is called homogeneous. The long chain is called the backbone. Polypropylene, polybutylene, polystyrene and polymethylpentene are examples of polymers with homogeneous carbon structure in the backbone. If the chains of carbon atoms are intermittently interrupted by oxygen or nitrogen, the structure is called heterogeneous. Polyesters, nylons, and polycarbonates are examples of polymers with heterogeneous structure.Heterogeneous polymers as a class tend to be less chemically durable than homogeneous polymers although examples to the contrary are numerous. 90005 90002 Different elements can be attached to the carbon-to-carbon backbone. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) contains attached chlorine atoms. Teflon contains attached fluorine atoms. 90005 90002 How the links in thermoplastics are arranged can also change the structure and properties of plastics. Some plastics are assembled from monomers such that there is intentional randomness in the occurrence of attached elements and chemical groups.Others have the attached groups occur in very predictable order. Plastics will, if the structure allows, form crystals. Some plastics easily and rapidly form crystals, such as HDPE-high density polyethylene. HDPE can appear hazy from the crystals and exhibits stiffness and strength. Other plastics are constructed such that they can not fit together to form crystals, such as low density polyethylene, LDPE. An amorphous plastic typically is clear in appearance. By adjusting the spatial arrangement of atoms on the backbone chains, the plastics manufacturer can change the performance properties of the plastic.90005 90002 The chemical structure of the backbone, the use of copolymers, and the chemical binding of different elements and compounds to a backbone, and the use of crystallizability can change the processing, aesthetic, and performance properties of plastics. The plastics can also be altered by the inclusion of additives. 90005 90002 90003 Additives 90004 90005 90002 When plastics emerge from reactors, they may have the desired properties for a commercial product or not.The inclusion of additives may impart to plastics specific properties. Some polymers incorporate additive during manufacture. Other polymers include additives during processing into their finished parts. Additives are incorporated into polymers to alter and improve basic mechanical, physical or chemical properties. Additives are also used to protect the polymer from the degrading effects of light, heat, or bacteria; to change such polymer processing properties such as melt flow; to provide product color; and to provide special characteristics such as improved surface appearance, reduced friction, and flame retardancy.90005 90002 Types of Additives: 90005 90026 90027 Antioxidants: for plastic processing and outside application where weathering resistance is needed 90028 90027 Colorants: for colored plastic parts 90028 90027 Foaming agents: for expanded polystyrene cups and building board and for polyurethane carpet underlayment 90028 90027 Plasticizers: used in wire insulation, flooring, gutters, and some films 90028 90027 Lubricants: used for making fibers 90028 90027 Anti-stats: to reduce dust collection by static electricity attraction 90028 90027 Antimicrobials: used for shower curtains and wall coverings 90028 90027 Flame retardants: to improve the safety of wire and cable coverings and cultured marble 90028 90033 90034 90002 90003 The Two Plastic Types, Based on Processing 90004 90005 90002 A 90003 Thermoset 90004 is a polymer that solidifies or «sets» irreversibly when heated or cured.Similar to the relationship between a raw and a cooked egg, a cooked egg can not revert back to its original form once heated, and a thermoset polymer can not be softened once «set». Thermosets are valued for their durability and strength and are used extensively in automobiles and construction including applications such as adhesives, inks, and coatings. The most common thermoset is the rubber truck and automobile tire. Some examples of thermoset plastics and their product applications are: 90005 90082 90002 Polyurethanes: 90034 • Mattresses 90034 • Cushions 90034 • Insulation 90005 90002 Unsaturated Polyesters: 90034 • Boat hulls 90034 • Bath tubs and shower stalls 90034 • Furniture 90005 90002 Epoxies: 90034 • Adhesive glues 90034 • Coating for electrical devices 90034 • Helicopter and jet engine blades 90005 90002 Phenol Formaldehyde: 90034 • Oriented strand board 90034 • Plywood 90034 • Electrical appliances 90034 • Electrical circuit boards and switches 90005 90104 90002 A 90003 Thermoplastic 90004 is a polymer in which the molecules are held together by weak secondary bonding forces that soften when exposed to heat and return to its original condition when cooled back down to room temperature.When a thermoplastic is softened by heat, it can then be shaped by extrusion, molding, or pressing. Ice cubes are common household items which exemplify the thermoplastic principle. Ice will melt when heated but readily solidifies when cooled. Like a polymer, this process may be repeated numerous times. Thermoplastics offer versatility and a wide range of applications. They are commonly used in food packaging because they can be rapidly and economically formed into any shape needed to fulfill the packaging function.Examples include milk jugs and carbonated soft drink bottles. Other examples of thermoplastics are: 90005 90082 90002 Polyethylene: 90034 • Packaging 90034 • Electrical insulation 90034 • Milk and water bottles 90034 • Packaging film 90034 • House wrap 90034 • Agricultural film 90005 90002 Polypropylene: 90034 • Carpet fibers 90034 • Automotive bumpers 90034 • Microwave containers 90034 • External prostheses 90005 90002 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): 90034 • Sheathing for electrical cables 90034 • Floor and wall coverings 90034 • Siding 90034 • Automobile instrument panels 90005 90104 90002 90003 Thermoplastic and Thermoset Processing Methods 90004 90005 90002 There are a variety of different processing methods used to convert polymers into finished products.Some include: 90005 90002 90003 Extrusion 90004 — This continuous process is used to produce films, sheet, profiles, tubes, and pipes. Plastic material as granules, pellets, or powder, is first loaded into a hopper and then fed into a long heated chamber through which it is moved by the action of a continuously revolving screw. The chamber is a cylinder and is referred to as an extruder. Extruders can have one or two revolving screws. The plastic is melted by the mechanical work of the screw and the heat from the extruder wall.At the end of the heated chamber, the molten plastic is forced out through a small opening called a die to form the shape of the finished product. As the plastic is extruded from the die, it is fed onto a conveyor belt for cooling or onto rollers for cooling or by immersion in water for cooling. The operation’s principle is the same as that of a meat mincer but with added heaters in the wall of the extruder and cooling of the product. Examples of extruded products include lawn edging, pipe, film, coated paper, insulation on electrical wires, gutter and down spouting, plastic lumber, and window trim.Thermoplastics are processed by continuous extrusion. Thermoset elastomer can be extruded into weatherstripping by adding catalysts to the rubber material as it is fed into the extruder. 90005 90002 90003 Calendering 90004 — This continuous process is an extension of film extrusion. The still warm extrudate is chilled on polished, cold rolls to create sheet from 0.005 inches thick to 0.500 inches thick. The thickness is well maintained and surface made smooth by the polished rollers. Calendering is used for high output and the ability to deal with low melt strength.Heavy polyethylene films used for construction vapor and liquid barriers are calendered. High volume PVC films are typically made using calendars. 90005 90002 90003 Film Blowing 90004 — This process continuously extrudes vertically a ring of semi-molten polymer in an upward direction, like a fountain. A bubble of air is maintained that stretches the plastic axially and radially into a tube many times the diameter of the ring. The diameter of the tube depends on the plastic being processed and the processing conditions.The tube is cooled by air and is nipped and wound continuously as a flattened tube. The tube can be processed to form saleable bags or slit to form rolls of film with thicknesses of 0.0003 to 0.005 inches thick. Multiple layers of different resins can be used to make the tube. 90005 90002 90003 Injection Molding 90004 — This process can produce intricate three-dimensional parts of high quality and great reproducibility. It is predominately used for thermoplastics but some thermosets and elastomers are also processed by injection molding.In injection molding plastic material is fed into a hopper, which feeds into an extruder. An extruder screw pushes the plastic through the heating chamber in which the material is then melted. At the end of the extruder the molten plastic is forced at high pressure into a closed cold mold. The high pressure is needed to be sure the mold is completely filled. Once the plastic cools to a solid, the mold opens and the finished product is ejected. This process is used to make such items as butter tubs, yogurt containers, bottle caps, toys, fittings, and lawn chairs.Special catalysts can be added to create the thermoset plastic products during the processing, such as cured silicone rubber parts. Injection molding is a discontinuous process as the parts are formed in molds and must be cooled or cured before being removed. The economics are determined by how many parts can be made per cycle and how short the cycles can be. 90005 90002 90003 Blow Molding 90004 — Blow molding is a process used in conjunction with extrusion or injection molding. In one form, extrusion blow molding, the die forms a continuous semi-molten tube of thermoplastic material.A chilled mold is clamped around the tube and compressed air is then blown into the tube to conform the tube to the interior of the mold and to solidify the stretched tube. Overall, the goal is to produce a uniform melt, form it into a tube with the desired cross section and blow it into the exact shape of the product. This process is used to manufacture hollow plastic products and its principal advantage is its ability to produce hollow shapes without having to join two or more separately injection molded parts.This method is used to make items such as commercial drums and milk bottles. Another blow molding technique is to injection mold an intermediate shape called a preform and then to heat the preform and blow the heat-softened plastic into the final shape in a chilled mold. This is the process to make carbonated soft drink bottles. 90005 90002 90003 Expanded Bead Blowing 90004 — This process begins with a measured volume of beads of plastic being placed into a mold. The beads contain a blowing agent or gas, usually pentane, dissolved in the plastic.The closed mold is heated to soften the plastic and the gas expands or blowing agent generates gas. The result is fused closed cell structure of foamed plastic that conforms to a shape, such as expanded polystyrene cups. Styrofoam ™ expanded polystyrene thermal insulation board is made in a continuous extrusion process using expanded bead blowing. 90005 90002 90003 Rotational Molding 90004 — Rotational molding consists of a mold mounted on a machine capable of rotating on two axes simultaneously.Solid or liquid resin is placed within the mold and heat is applied. Rotation distributes the plastic into a uniform coating on the inside of the mold then the mold is cooled until the plastic part cools and hardens. This process is used to make hollow configurations. Common rotationally molded products include shipping drums, storage tanks and some consumer furniture and toys. 90005 90002 90003 Compression Molding 90004 — This process has a prepared volume of plastic placed into a mold cavity and then a second mold or plug is applied to squeeze the plastic into the desired shape.The plastic can be a semi-cured thermoset, such as an automobile tire, or a thermoplastic or a mat of thermoset resin and long glass fibers, such as for a boat hull. Compression molding can be automated or require considerable hand labor. Transfer molding is a refinement of compression molding. Transfer molding is used to encapsulate parts, such as for semi-conductor manufacturing 90005 90002 The formation of plywood or oriented strand board using thermoset adhesives is a variant of compression molding.The wood veneer or strands are coated with catalyzed thermoset phenol formaldehyde resin and compressed and heated to cause the thermoset plastic to form into a rigid, non-melting adhesive. 90005 90002 90003 Casting 90004 — This process is the low pressure, often just pouring, addition of liquid resins to a mold. Catalyzed thermoset plastics can be formed into intricate shapes by casting. Molten polymethyl methacrylate thermoplastic can be cast into slabs to form windows for commercial aquariums.Casting can make thick sheet, 0.500 inches to many inches thick. 90005 90002 90003 Thermoforming 90004 — Films of thermoplastic are heated to soften the film, and then the soft film is pulled by vacuum or pushed by pressure to conform to a mold or pressed with a plug into a mold. Parts are thermoformed either from cut pieces for thick sheet, over 0.100 inches, or from rolls of thin sheet. The finished parts are cut from the sheet and the scrap sheet material recycled for manufacture of new sheet.The process can be automated for high volume production of clamshell food containers or can be a simple hand labor process to make individual craft items. 90005 90002 90009 1 90010 American Chemistry Council, Plastics Industry Producer Statistics Group, 2005 90005 .90000 How plastics are made :: PlasticsEurope 90001 90002 90003 Plastics are derived from natural, organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt and, of course, crude oil. Crude oil is a complex mixture of thousands of compounds and needs to be processed before it can be used. The production of plastics begins with the distillation of crude oil in an oil refinery. This separates the heavy crude oil into groups of lighter components, called fractions.Each fraction is a mixture of hydrocarbon chains (chemical compounds made up of carbon and hydrogen), which differ in terms of the size and structure of their molecules. One of these fractions, naphtha, is the crucial compound for the production of plastics. 90004 90005 Two main processes are used to produce plastics — polymerisation and polycondensation — and they both require specific catalysts. In a polymerisation reactor, monomers such as ethylene and propylene are linked together to form long polymer chains.Each polymer has its own properties, structure and size depending on the various types of basic monomers used. 90004 90005 90008 There are many different types of plastics, and they can be grouped into two main polymer families: 90009 90004 90011 90012 90013 90013 90015 90016 90017 90018 90005 90008 Examples of Thermoplastics 90009 90022 Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) 90022 Polycarbonate (PC) 90022 Polyethylene (PE) 90022 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) 90022 Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) 90022 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 90022 Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) 90022 Polypropylene (PP) 90022 Polystyrene (PS) 90022 Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) 90004 90033 90018 90003 90008 Examples of Thermosets 90009 90022 Epoxide (EP) 90022 Phenol-formaldehyde (PF) 90022 Polyurethane (PUR) 90022 Unsaturated polyester resins (UP) 90004 90003 90008 90009 90004 90003 90022 90008 90009 90004 90033 90053 90054 90055 90003 90008 Read more about the various types of plastics.90009 90022 90004 90061 90008 Contact us today for more information 90009 90064 90005 90008 Contact us today for more information about the benefits of plastics and the activities of PlasticsEurope. 90009 90004 .90000 Plywood Roof Sheathing Panels | GP Plytanium Plywood Sheathing 90001 90002 What is the proper way to store plywood on the yard or on a job site? 90003 90004 Answer 90005 90002 Whenever possible, store panels under a roof. Keep sanded panels and appearance-grade products away from high-traffic areas to prevent damage to surfaces. Use pieces of lumber to weigh down the top panel in a stack to reduce warpage from humidity. If moisture absorption is expected, cut steel bands on bundles to prevent edge damage.90003 90002 If panels must be stored outside, stack them on a level platform supported by at least three 4x4s to keep them off the ground. Place one 4 × 4 in the center and the other two 4x4s 12 to 16 inches from the ends. Never leave panels or the platform in direct contact with the ground. 90003 90002 Cover the stack loosely with plastic sheets or tarps. Anchor the covering at the top of the stack, but keep it open and away from the sides and bottom to ensure good ventilation. Tight coverings prevent air circulation and when exposed to sunlight, may promote mold or mildew.(Source: APA Builder Tip U450: Storage and Handling of APA Trademarked Panels) 90003 90002 Is there a difference between span ratings for OSB and plywood? 90003 90004 Answer 90005 90002 No, span ratings for similar thicknesses are the same. 90003 90002 What is the flame spread classification for plywood? 90003 90002 What is the difference between Exterior and Exposure 1 panels? 90003 90004 Answer 90005 90002 Exterior panels are suitable for applications subject to long-term exposure to weather or moisture, while panels classified as Exposure 1 are intended to resist the effects of moisture on structural performance as may occur due to construction delays, or other conditions of similar severity.Exposure 1 panels are made with the same exterior adhesives used in Exterior panels. However, because other compositional factors may affect bond performance, only Exterior panels should be used for long-term exposure to weather. 90003 90002 What is the difference between Structural 1 and Exposure 1 panels? 90003 90004 Answer 90005 90002 Structural I refers to certain specialized strength and stiffness characteristics of wood structural panels while the term Exposure 1 refers to the glue bond durability of a wood structural panel.Structural I, also referred to as «STRUC I», may be OSB or plywood and is, essentially, a subcategory of APA Rated Sheathing. Panels designated Structural I must meet all of the manufacturing and performance standards of Rated Sheathing, as well as certain additional requirements. 90003 90002 The advantages of Structural I Rated Sheathing over standard Rated Sheathing panels of the same Performance Category are realized in certain specialized engineered applications such as engineered shear walls and engineered horizontal diaphragms.Specialized construction situations requiring installation of roof sheathing panels with the strength axis parallel to supporting structure also benefit from the use of Structural I sheathing. Structural I is of no additional benefit for other traditional construction applications. Consult a professional engineer for specific applications. 90003 90002 Can you paint plywood? 90003 90004 Answer 90005 90002 Yes, plywood can be painted using one coat of acrylic latex primer and at least two coats of acrylic latex paint.Oil-based paints are not recommended. 90003 90002 Can plywood be used for outdoor projects? 90003 90004 Answer 90005 90002 Plywood panels classified as «Exterior» are suitable for applications subject to long-term exposure to weather or moisture. 90003 90002 What does the stamp on my plywood panel mean? 90003 90004 Answer 90005 90002 On every Georgia-Pacific sheathing panel you should be able to find an APA grade stamp. This stamp is your assurance that the product is manufactured in accordance with the APA’s rigorous program of quality inspection and testing.The grade stamp on a panel also tells you a lot about the panel — the span rating, exposure rating, panel thickness and the building code approval the panel meets. 90003 90002 What does the «span rating» of a plywood panel mean? 90003 90004 Answer 90005 90002 Within the grade stamp on a panel you will find the span rating. When there are two numbers separated by a slash (i.e. 48/24), the first number is the maximum recommended center-to-center spacing for supports in inches when the panel is used for roof sheathing with the long dimension across supports.The second number is the maximum center-to-center spacing of supports in inches when the panel is used for sub-flooring with the long dimension across supports. 90003 90002 How many sheets are in a unit of plywood? 90003 90004 Answer 90005 90002 The number of panels in a unit of plywood varies depending on the type and thickness of product. On sheathing products, the piece count is typically stenciled on the side of the unit. Other products have corrugated side protectors that should indicate piece count.If you need a piece count and neither of those are visible please contact GP at 800-284-5347. 90003 90002 Does GP’s wood come from sustainably managed forests? 90003 90004 Answer 90005 90002 Plywood panels from Georgia-Pacific are made from wood sourced through a system that is third-party certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® procurement standard. 90003 90002 Do your panels meet formaldehyde emissions standards? 90003 90004 Answer 90005 90002 Yes, Georgia-Pacific plywood and OSB panels only use moisture resistant adhesives that contain no added urea formaldehyde resins, and are therefore exempt from U.S. EPA and California formaldehyde regulations due to their very low emission rates. 90003 90002 When used in the manufacture of crates and pallets, are Georgia-Pacific plywood and OSB safe for international shipping? 90003 90004 Answer 90005 90002 To prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests, ISPM 15: International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, requires that internationally shipped solid wood pallets be debarked, treated with heat or fumigated with methyl bromide, and marked with a seal of compliance.Pallets made with engineered wood are exempt from ISPM 15 regulations. This is because the process of manufacturing engineered wood destroys any live organisms in the wood. (Source: «Boxes, Crate and Reel Manufacturing,» www.PerformancePanels.com) 90003 90002 How many veneers / plies make up your plywood products? 90003 90004 Answer 90005 90002 The number of veneers / plies in our plywood products depends on thickness of the product. Here are the standard number of veneers / plies for some of our common thicknesses: 90003 90002 ¼ — 3-ply 90003 90002 3/8 — 3-ply 90003 90002 11/32 — 3-ply 90003 90002 15/32 — 3-ply OR 4-ply 90003 90002 19/32 — 4-ply OR 5-ply 90003 90002 23/32 — 5-ply 90003 90002 7/8 — 6-ply 90003 .90000 How the plastic bottle went from miracle container to hated garbage 90001 90002 90003 The evolution of the plastic bottle from amazing to scourge of land and sea has played out inside of a generation. 90004 90005 90002 Photograph by Hannah Whitaker, National Geographic 90005 90002 Read Caption 90005 90002 A million plastic beverage bottles were purchased each minute as of 2017.The plastic bottle’s journey from convenience to curse has played out quickly-in a single generation. 90005 90002 Photograph by Hannah Whitaker, National Geographic 90005 90002 90003 The evolution of the plastic bottle from amazing to scourge of land and sea has played out inside of a generation. 90004 90005 90002 PUBLISHED 90019 August 23, 2019 90020 90005 90022 This article was created in partnership with the National Geographic Society.90023 90002 The moment the modern plastic beverage bottle changed the world’s drinking habits is difficult to pinpoint. The day New York supermodels began carrying tall bottles of Evian water as an accessory on fashion show catwalks in the late 1980s surely signaled the future ahead. Billions of bottles were sold on the promise that bottled water is good for hair and skin, healthier than soft drinks and safer than tap water. And it did not take consumers long to buy into the notion that they needed water within reach virtually everywhere they went.90005 90002 Plastic bottles and bottle caps are the third and fourth most collected plastic trash in the Ocean Conservancy’s annual beach cleanups. 90005 90028 Image by Hannah Whitaker, National Geographic 90029 90002 What sets bottles apart from other plastic products born in the post-World War II rise of consumerism is the sheer speed with which the beverage bottle, now ubiquitous around the world, has shifted from convenience to curse.The transition played out in a single generation. 90005 90002 «The plastic bottle transformed the beverage industry and it changed our habits in many ways,» says Peter Gleick, co-founder and president emeritus of the Pacific Institute in Oakland, California, and author of 90033 Bottled and Sold: The Story Behind Our Obsession with Bottled Water 90034. 90005 90002 «We’ve become a society that seems to think if we do not have water at hand, terrible things will happen. It’s kind of silly. It’s not as though anybody died from thirst in the old days, «he says.90005 90002 By 2016, the year sales of bottled water in the United States officially surpassed soft drinks, the world had awakened to the burgeoning crisis of plastic waste. The backlash against the glut of discarded bottles clogging waterways, polluting the oceans and littering the interior has been swift. Suddenly, carrying plastic bottles of water around is uncool. 90005 .