Plastics all over the world

Nowadays plastics can be applied to almost every branch of building, from the laying of foundation to the final coat of paint.

A lot of decorative plastics now available has brought about a revolution in interior and exterior design. But plastics are used now not only for decoration. These materials are sufficiently rigid to stand on their own without any support. They can be worked with ordinary builders’ tools.

Laminate is a strong material manufactured from many layers of paper or textile impregnated with thermosetting resins. This sandwich is then pressed and subjected to heat. Laminate has been developed for both inside and outside use. It resists severe weather conditions for more than ten years without serious deformation. As a structural material it is recommended for exterior work. Being used for surfacing, laminate gives the tough surface.

sufficiently [səˈfɪʃntlɪ] достаточно, довольно

rigid [ˈrɪʤɪd] жесткий, твердый

resin [ˈrezɪn] смола

EXERCISES

IV. Choose the correct variant and complete the sentences. Memorize them:

1. Plastics can be applied... (a) only in radio engineering, b) to almost every branch of building). 2. Decorative plastics has brought about... (a) some advantages, b) a revolution in interior and exterior design). 3. Plastics are used... (a) only for decoration, b) are sufficiently rigid to stand on their own without any support). 4. Laminate has been developed for... (a) only inside use, b) only outside use, c) both inside and outside use). 5. Laminate is impregnated with... (a) thermosetting resins, b) rubber). 6. The sandwich is pressed and subjected... (a) to cold, b) to heat). 7. The laminate gives... (a) a mild surface, b) tough surface).

V. Answer the following questions:

1. Where can plastics be applied? 2. What advantages do plastics offer? 3. What can plastics be used for except decoration? 4. What does plastic material consist of? 5. What for is plastics recommended as a structural material?