Polyvinyl chloride PVC
Poly(vinyl chloride) PVC - what is it?
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a thermoplastic polymer produced by the polymerization of vinyl chloride and can be made from either petroleum raw material or ethylene.
It's worth noting that PVC is a white, brittle solid material (before the addition of plasticizers) available in the form of powder or granules.
Poly(vinyl chloride) was first discovered by the German chemist Eugen Baumann in 1872. The material was patented several decades later, in 1913, when the German Friedrich Klatte invented a new polymerization method using sunlight. It was not until 1926, when Waldo Semon, along with BF Goodrich Company, developed an effective method of plasticizing PVC by mixing it with various additives.
PVC is a thermoplastic material composed of PVC resin mixed in various proportions with fillers, pigments, plasticizers, stabilizers, and processing aids.
Poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinyl chloride, PVC, PCV, PVC - what do these terms mean?
Poly(vinyl chloride) is the correct and full name for this material. Informally, abbreviations such as polyvinyl chloride, PCV, PVC, PCW are used to refer to poly(vinyl chloride).
PCV - in organic chemistry, this stands for poly(chloride) vinyl, meaning chain-like vinyl chloride molecules. This is the correct form of abbreviation of this material and is an expansion of the English name Poly Vinyl Chloride.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC, PCW) - this name is incorrect, although it is commonly used by customers and producers.
Method of obtaining polyvinyl chloride
Poly(vinyl chloride) is obtained by the polymerization of vinyl chloride. Polymerization is the process of manufacturing a polymeric material. PVC can be produced through one of three polymerization processes, including:
- suspension polymerization
- bulk polymerization
- emulsion polymerization
Basic forms of PVC
As we learned from the first part of the article, PVC is a thermoplastic material obtained by polymerizing vinyl chloride. It is available in two common categories:
- rigid poly(vinyl chloride) - the properties of this material make it suitable for insulating electrical cables and is a good alternative to rubber;
- flexible poly(vinyl chloride) - widely used in construction and hydraulics;
Below are more types of basic PVC forms, here they are:
Plasticized or flexible PVC (PVC-P)
The density range of plasticized PVC is 1.1-1.35 g/cm 3. Created by adding appropriate plasticizers to PVC, which reduce crystallinity. It has excellent light transmission and, being more flexible, is easy to process and shape.
Unplasticized or rigid PVC (UPVC, PVC-U, uPVC)
Its density range is 1.3-1.45 g/cm 3. It exhibits properties such as high impact resistance, water resistance, weather resistance, chemical resistance, and resistance to corrosive environments. It is a rigid and inexpensive material.
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride or perchlorovinyl (CPVC, PVC-C)
This material is obtained by chlorinating PVC resin. Due to its high chlorine content, the material is flame-retardant, withstands a wider range of temperatures, provides high durability, and chemical stability.
Molecularly Oriented PVC or PVC-O
The appropriate production process allows the material to have improved physical properties such as stiffness, fatigue resistance, and lower weight compared to other PVC products. An optimal material for pipe production.
Modified PVC or PVC-M
This is a mixture of PVC created by adding modifying agents, resulting in increased strength and impact resistance.
PVC material - benefits and properties
Durability
Polyvinyl chloride is a synthetic material resistant to atmospheric factors, corrosion, shocks, abrasion, and bending. PVC products are characterized by long life and are excellent for outdoor use.
Mechanical properties
PVC is characterized by high mechanical strength and resistance to challenging weather conditions.
Fire resistance
This synthetic plastic polymer, due to its high chlorine content, has self-extinguishing properties. It does not burn. Because PVC products extinguish on their own, they are often used, for example, in building installations.
Electrical properties
In addition to its high mechanical strength, PVC also has good dielectric strength. It is a good insulating material and effectively insulates light and sound.
Chemical resistance
This synthetic polymer is resistant to most inorganic chemicals. It shows very good resistance when in contact with diluted acids and bases, aliphatic hydrocarbons. PVC is also resistant to the action of salt solutions, a range of solvents, gasoline, mineral oils.
Economic solution
Good mechanical and physical properties, thermoplastic and dielectric properties, thermal insulation, long life - these are just some of the benefits of using PVC material. Poly(vinyl chloride) requires minimal maintenance, and its price in relation to quality and performance is very advantageous.
Products made of PVC, and recycling
Products made of PVC are 100% recyclable, which benefits the environment. They are labeled with code #3. There are three methods of recycling:
- Mechanical recycling (shredding, screening, grinding)
- Chemical recycling (breaking down the polymer into monomers and other substances)
- Material recycling (thermal treatment of the PVC waste stream with recovery of hydrogen chloride)
PVC from recycling is used to produce, among others:
- dividers
- films
- packaging
- cables
- carpet underlays
- pipes
We also have Our PCV POWERfloor tiles in a recycled version, which significantly reduces production costs, thereby offering a cheaper product.
Polyvinyl chloride PVC - applications
Polyvinyl chloride is used in pipes (e.g., for sewage), medical devices, toys, garden hoses, industrial door air curtains, wire and cable insulation, construction (e.g., for window and door profiles production). Depending on the type of PVC used, different products are obtained as finished products or semi-finished products.
Construction industry
In various sectors, including the construction industry, PVC successfully replaces other materials such as metal, rubber, wood, ceramics. Key applications include:
- window and door frames
- roof coverings
- pipes
- cable insulation
- greenhouses
- waterproof membranes
- molding
- sills
Domestic applications
- laminates
- drawer sides
- floors
- wall coverings
- shower curtains
- hoses
Automotive industry
- car seat backrests
- window seals
- headliners
- wire insulation
- decorative finishes
Textile industry
- life vests
- waterproof clothing for fishermen
- galoshes
- aprons
Medical industry
- syringes
- drains
- catheters
- blood bags
- probes
Electrical industry
- insulation pipes
- switches
- battery terminals
- sockets
- plugs
- covers