PVC PVC is the third most widely used polymer in the world. This plastic material has a global production of about 50 million tons and this amount is increased every year. PVC is one of the polymers used to produce plastic products. This material enters the market in different types. Polyvinyl chloride is another name for PVC. In this article, we provide you with more information about PVC.
What is PVC?
PVC is a thermoplastic material. Various substances such as stabilizers, pigments, fillers, softeners, etc. are combined with PVC resin and PVC is created during a complex process. PVC is the main material used in these compounds. If we want to know this material scientifically, it is called polyvinyl chloride in organic chemistry, which is abbreviated as PVC.
The temperature used for the polymerization of this type of polymer is about 45-75 degrees. Product production at this temperature occurs with a crystallinity percentage of less than 10%. If you aim for a higher percentage of PVC crystallization, you need to lower the polymerization temperature. This polymer is solid, white and fragile. PVC is sold in the market in the form of powder or granules. You must have heard the name of PVC! This material is one of the most widely used polymers in the construction and housing industry.
Types of PVC
Various types of PVC have entered the market and are widely used. If we want to categorize this widely used polymer in general, we can mention hard PVC and soft PVC; But for a more detailed classification, we will discuss the types of PVC below:
- Soft and flexible PVC: Soft PVCs are considered flexible and transparent. These polymers are combined with plasticizers compatible with PVC and make soft or flexible PVC. The result of the production of this type of PVC is a transparent and flexible plastic. Lubricants also create this property for PVC. The short name of this type of polymer is PVC-P.
- Hard PVC: No softener is used in the production of hard PVC; For this reason, it is called hard PVC. This type of polymer is hard and resistant to impact, water, air and chemicals. Common names for this type of PVC include PVC-U or U-PVC. The resistance of this type of PVC against corrosives is famous.
- Chlorine PVC: Chlorine is one of the substances that are combined with the raw materials of PVC plastic, which is prepared at about 56-66%. The more chlorine added to this material, the higher the durability, chemical stability and heat resistance. Chlorinated PVC can withstand a wide range of temperatures. This type of PVC is not used much. The short name of this type of polymer is known as PVC-C.
- Oriented PVC: The structure of this type of PVC will be reorganized and the amorphous structure will become a layered one. One of the important features of this type of PVC is its high resistance to fatigue and lightness. The abbreviation for this type of polymer is PVC-O.
- Modified PVC: Modifiers are added to the raw materials of PVC plastic, which ultimately increases the strength of this polymer. Modified PVC is also known as PVC-M.
Applications of PVC
As mentioned, PVC is known as the third most used polymer in the world. The unique properties of PVC have been able to distinguish this polymer from other polymers. Manufacturers also choose PVC as the first material according to their production. From the hardest to the softest objects, they are made of PVC or at least contain small fibers of PVC.
PVCs are even used in medical equipment, medical tubes, food packaging, disposable containers, blood bags, etc. PVC sheet is one of the reasonable applications in various industries. Buying PVC sheet is the most widely used for the production of cupboard doors and kitchen cabinets. Soft PVCs and hard PVCs have different uses, which we will examine separately below:
- Soft PVC: Soft hoses and pipes, PVC sheet and soft film, shoe production, plastic parts and cans, calendering, telecommunication networks and electric cable coating, raw materials used for car and house flooring, clothing industry and pseudo-leather or artificial leather.
- Hard PVC: Production of PVC pipes as water and sewage pipes, raw materials for concrete and asphalt, types of credit cards that are made of PVC, production of PVC windows that are produced with different geometric shapes, production of PVC films for home interior decorations such as false ceilings and so on. ..
Advantages and disadvantages of PVC
PVC, like any other material, has different advantages and disadvantages. This popular polymer makes many features available to producers and consumers. Buying PVC makes the life process very easy for consumers. Buying PVC pipe for sewer pipes will save people from many challenges. The purchase of PVC pipes is done in branches and with certain sizes. In the following, we describe the features and limitations of PVC:
Advantages of PVC
- Affordable price for the production of plastic goods
- Thermal and sound insulation
- Long life
- High resistance to chemicals and solvent oils
- Can be used continuously at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius
- Excellent electrical insulation
- Insoluble in alcohol, acetone, hydrocarbons
- Compatibility with all types of additives to PVC resin
- The appropriate melting temperature is equal to 80 degrees Celsius
- Greater resistance to cold weather and excessive heat
- Resistant to abrasion, scratches and corrosion
- High strength against impact and tension
- Combine without challenge with other materials
Disadvantages of PVC
- High Tg temperature and eventually brittleness in hard PVC
- Lower usage temperature in hard PVC equal to 50 degrees Celsius
- Lower thermal stability than other polymers
- Being sensitive to UV rays
last word
PVC is a powerful material for making various objects. This unique material can be combined with other materials according to the type of production and deliver the best product. PVCs are a well-known and widely used polymer in most parts of the world. In this article, we tried to provide you with complete information about PVC plastic material. Most of our lives are covered by plastics and they are used countless times during the day.
PVC resin is very flexible and changeable. In this way, it can be considered a composite substance. The price of PVC, like other materials in Iran, does not have a fixed and permanent price. The price of this resin depends on various factors such as supply and demand, dollar price, production process, production factors, etc.
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