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Evolutionary process and mechanical properties of polymers: A comprehensive review
Summary
A review of polymer evolution in construction found that epoxy resins offer superior tensile and flexural strength, while polyester and PET provide notable compressive resistance and sustainability advantages, with the review synthesizing mechanical performance data across thermosetting resins for structural application guidance. Understanding the properties and trade-offs of construction polymers is foundational for designing durable recycled plastic materials and managing polymer lifecycle to reduce microplastic generation in built environments.
The growing demand for innovative construction materials has driven the exploration of polymer-based composites due to their enhanced mechanical performance and potential environmental benefits. However, a clear understanding of the historical development, classification, and structural behavior of polymers in construction remains limited. This review aims to bridge this gap by synthesizing current knowledge on the historical evolution, mechanical benefits, chemical benefits, drawbacks and real world applications of polymers in construction. The study focuses on key thermosetting resins such as polyester, epoxy, vinyl ester, and PET and assesses their mechanical properties relevant to structural applications. To address the lack of integrated insight in the literature, the review compiles and compares data from various primary sources. Mechanical properties such as tensile, compressive, and flexural strength are evaluated to determine the suitability of each polymer for construction use. The outcomes indicate that epoxy resins demonstrate superior tensile and flexural strength, while polyester and polyethylene terephthalate PET offer notable advantages in compressive resistance and sustainability. Overall, the findings provide a consolidated understanding of polymer development and performance, offering valuable guidance for researchers and engineers aiming to enhance material efficiency, durability, and environmental responsibility in the construction industry.