03.11.2022

What is PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride)?

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl) is an economical and versatile thermoplastic polymer widely used in building and construction industry to produce door and window profiles, pipes (drinking and wastewater), wire and cable insulation, medical devices, etc. It is the world’s third largest thermoplastic material by volume after polyethylene and polypropylene.


It is a white, brittle solid material available in powder form or granules. Due to its versatile properties, such as lightweight, durable, low cost and easy processability, PVC sheet is now replacing traditional building materials like wood, metal, concrete, rubber, ceramics, etc. in several applications.


Basic Forms of PVC(including PVC rod)

Polyvinyl Chloride is widely available in two broad categories: Flexible and Rigid. But, there are more types like CPVC, PVC-O and PVC-M.


Plasticized or Flexible PVC (Density: 1.1-1.35 g/cm3): Flexible PVC is formed by the addition of compatible plasticizers to PVC which lower the crystallinity. These plasticizers act like lubricants resulting in a much clearer and flexible plastic. This type of PVC is sometimes called as PVC-P.


Unplasticized or Rigid PVC (Density: 1.3-1.45 g/cm3): It is a stiff and cost-effective plastic with high resistance to impact, water, weather, chemicals and corrosive environments. This type of PVC is also known as UPVC, PVC-U or uPVC.


Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride or perchlorovinyl: It is prepared by chlorination of PVC resin. High chlorine content imparts high durability, chemical stability and flame retardancy. CPVC can withstand a wider range of temperatures.


Molecular Oriented PVC or PVC-O: It is formed by reorganizing the amorphous structure of PVC-U into a layered structured. Bi-axially oriented PVC has enhanced physical characteristics (stiffness, fatigue resistance, lightweight, etc.).


Modified PVC or PVC-M: It is an alloy of PVC formed by addition of modifying agents, resulting in enhanced toughness and impact properties.


Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is one of the most widely used polymers in the world. Due to its versatile nature, PVC, or other plastic rod, is used extensively across a broad range of industrial, technical and everyday applications including widespread use in building, transport, packaging, electrical/electronic and healthcare applications.


PVC, including soft PVC sheet roll, is a very durable and long lasting material which can be used in a variety of applications, either rigid or flexible, white or black and a wide range of colours in between.


The essential raw materials for PVC are derived from salt and oil. The electrolysis of salt water produces chlorine, which is combined with ethylene (obtained from oil) to form vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). Molecules of VCM are polymerised to form PVC resin, to which appropriate additives are incorporated to make a customised PVC compound .


The PVC production process consists of 5 steps:

The extraction of salt and hydrocarbon resources

The production of ethylene and chlorine from these resources

The combination of chlorine and ethylene to make the vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)

The polymerisation of VCM to make poly-vinyl-chloride (PVC)

The blending of PVC polymer with other materials to produce different formulations providing a wide range of physical properties.


PVC sheet, PE sheet and PP sheet have excellent corrosion resistance and weather resistance. The working temp is 33 deg F to 160 deg F. and the forming temperatures of 245 deg F. It is good electrical and thermal insulator and has a self-extinguishing per UL Test 94. PVC applications are almost unlimited. It's the most widely used member of the vinyl family. It is excellent when used for corrosion-resistant tanks, ducts, fume hoods, and pipe. Ideal for self-supporting tanks, fabricated parts, tank linings, and spacers. It is not UV stabilized and has a tolerance of +or 10%. Not FDA approved materials. Colors available: Gray PVC Type 1 Sheet, White PVC, Clear PVC.

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