The full form of PVC is "Polyvinyl chloride". It is an affordable and adaptable thermoplastic polymer generally used in the construction and development industry to supply entrance and window profiles, pipes (potable and waste water), wire and joint protection, clinical devices and so on. It is the third largest thermoplastic material in the world by volume after polyethylene and polypropylene. It is a white, solid material available in a powder structure or granules. Due to its adaptable properties, for example, light, tough, minimal stress and simple workability, PVC is currently displacing the usual construction materials such as wood, metal, solid, elastic, stoneware and so on in several applications.
Plastic
Plastic is a term used to describe a wide variety of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as their main component. The name Plastic comes from the property of plasticity. This helps it shape, press, extrude and mold into solid objects. This ability, along with other properties such as lightness, flexibility, durability, has led to the use of plastic for a wide variety of purposes.
There are many types of plastics available on the market, the most common of which are polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride.
Key properties
PVC is an extremely flexible and inexpensive material. Its main features and benefits include:
- Electrical properties: PVC is a decent shielding material due to its excellent dielectric quality.
- Toughness: PVC is impervious to permanent, decomposing substances, erosion, stunning and scratching. This way, it is the preferred decision for some durable and outdoor items.
- Fire resistance: Due to the high chlorine content, PVC products are self-extinguishing. Its oxidation list is ≥ 45. Antimony oxide has been widely used, usually in admixture with phosphate ester plasticizers, providing excellent fire properties and mechanical properties.
- Value for money: PVC has excellent physical and mechanical properties and provides stunning cost and performance benefits. It has a long life and requires minimal maintenance.
- Mechanical properties: PVC is safe for the scratch area, light and can be used in extreme.
- Chemical resistance: PVC is impermeable to every single inorganic compound. It has generally excellent resistance to weak acids, weak soluble bases and aliphatic hydrocarbons.
PVC
Of the various types of plastics available, polyvinyl chloride, referred to as PVC, is one of the most commonly used. The scientific name for PVC is poly(1-chloroethylene) or polychloroethene. It is the third most commonly used plastic in the world. Worldwide, around 40 million tons of PVC are produced annually.
It is produced by polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer. Vinyl chloride is a combination of carbon, hydrogen and chlorine. Vinyl chloride is a molecule of ethane where chlorine has replaced one hydrogen. When this monomer is subjected to polymerization, it forms the long polymer of vinyl chloride known as PVC.
PVC was first synthesized by the German scientist Eugene Baumann in 1872. He conducted extensive experiments and research in the field of polymerization. The PVC was created when he left a bottle of vinyl chloride out of sunlight for four weeks. After the end of the fourth week, he saw white flakes appear in the flask.
The polymers in PVC are linear and rigid. The monomers in it are arranged from head to toe with chlorine atoms in the changing carbon.
Generally there are two types of PVC forms Rigid which is also known as RPVC and Flexible. RPVC is typically used for the construction of pipes, doors, windows and is also used in the manufacture of plastic bottles, food covering trolleys and cards such as ATM cards. PVC can be made soft and flexible by adding plasticizers. This form can be used as plumbing equipment, electrical cable insulation, floor insulation, imitation leather and inflatable products. It can be made into canvas by adding cotton and linen.
PVC can be further modified by the chlorination process. With an increase in the chlorine level above 67%. This form of PVC is known as chlorinated PVC or CPVC. It can be used in many harsher environments than PVC and is used as an alternative to them in hot conditions.
How is PVC made?
Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) is produced by chlorination of ethylene and subsequent pyrolysis of ethylene dichloride (EDC) in the cracking unit. PVC (glass transition temperature: 70-80°C) is produced by polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). Known techniques used to economically produce PVC are:
- Suspension PVC (S-PVC)
- Mass or Emulsion (E-PVC)
Application
- Clothing: PVC plastic is used to make a calfskin-like material called rexine. This kind of veal impersonation is used to make coats, shoes, jeans and upholstery. PVC garments are cheaper than latex, calf and elastic and are widely available.
- Pipes: According to "PVC Pipe and Fittings: Underground Solutions for Water and Sewer Systems in North America," about half of all PVC plastics are used in the production of funnels that are used in modern and civil applications. PVC pipe is strong, lightweight and low absorption, making it suitable for sterile applications, underground piping and water conveyance applications.
- Electrical Wires: PVC plastic is generally used to form the protective material on electrical wires. It is mild and impervious to heat and offers a stunning scratch spot and patch. PVC is fire-resistant, safe for substances and oils, precisely stable, safe against swaying, flexible and, thanks to its biocides, prevents the development of microbes.