Polyvinylchloride (PVC)

Polyvinylchloride is obtained by the polymerisation of the monomer vinyl chloride. It is a lightweight, stable, chemically harmless, inert and tough polymer. It is electrically and thermally non-conductive and is therefore considered a natural insulator.These characteristics make it an essential component for today’s industry.

  • Versatile: depending on its composition, it can be transformed into a rigid or flexible component and can thus be used for a wide range of applications.
  • Stable: it shows little change in its molecular structure and is therefore particularly suitable for the sanitary industry with high hygiene standards.
  • Safe: this material does not burn easily and does not burn by itself. Two qualities that make it a completely safe material.

Types of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC comes in several types, each adapted to specific needs and conditions:

  • Rigid PVC: as the name implies, this type of Polyvinyl Chloride is hard and tough. Among other applications, it is used for the manufacture of pipes, window and door profiles and other structural components.
  • Flexible PVC: unlike rigid PVC, flexible PVC is soft and malleable. It can be seen in hoses, electrical cables, shower curtains and inflatable toys.
  • Chlorinated PVC (CPVC): CPVC is a variant of PVC that is characterised by its increased resistance to high temperatures and chemicals. It can be seen in hot water piping systems and industrial applications that require resistance to corrosive chemicals.
  • Foamed PVC: This type of PVC contains air bubbles that make it lighter and more insulating. It is used in the manufacture of building panels, signs and packaging materials.

Uses and applications of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Thanks to its properties and quality, PVC has a wide variety of uses and applications. Although it can be found in other industries, these are the main ones:

  • Construction: as a light and extremely resistant material, one of the applications of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is in construction. It is used for the manufacture of drinking water pipes, drainage systems, window and door profiles or floor and ceiling coverings. Another of its uses is the creation of insulating materials.
  • Electrical industry: Due to its high dielectric strength and durability, PVC is used for the manufacture of electrical cables, electrical conduits and insulation.
  • Automotive industry: another sector where PVC is used is the automotive industry. This is not surprising. Thanks to its durability and ease of cleaning, it is perfect for lining the interior of vehicles.
  • Sanitary industry: as a stable and inert material, it can be used in areas where hygiene is a priority. This is the case in the healthcare sector, where it is used in the manufacture of medical tubing, blood bags and flexible medical devices.
  • Advertising and signage: One of the materials used for the manufacture of signs and banners is Polyvinyl Chloride. It is durable and weather-resistant, but also easy to print on.
  • Toys and inflatable items: PVC is not only characterised by its toughness, but also by its flexibility. Hence, other uses for polyvinyl chloride include the manufacture of inflatable toys, portable swimming pools and air mattresses.

Lifetime of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Although there are many properties of PVC, one of the best known is its durability and long life span. Under normal conditions, it can last for more than 50 years. Its resistance to corrosion, moisture and chemicals contributes to this longevity.

At the end of its useful life, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) can be recycled up to eight times and turned into a new resource.

How long does PVC last in the sun?

Although polyvinyl chloride can be exposed to the sun, its resistance to ultraviolet rays may vary depending on the type of PVC and the additive used in its manufacture. Taking these characteristics into account, we can say that rigid PVC is more resistant to ultraviolet radiation than flexible PVC.

However, over time and due to prolonged exposure to the sun, PVC may discolour and become somewhat brittle. To prolong its outdoor service life, the use of UV stabilising additives and paints that protect against solar radiation is recommended.

Features

Lightness
Fire resistance
Safety properties
Insulating properties
Durability
Low permeability

Colors

We have a wide range of colours available. Please consult which of our references best suits your requirements.

Technical Sheets, request them

Fill out this form and we will contact you.

Other products

Polyethylen (PE)

Polyethylene is a thermoplastic of the olefin family, consisting of repeating ethylene units. Chemically, it is considered to be the polymer with the simpleststructure and is characterised by its flexibility and strength.

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer obtained from the polymerisation ofpropylene, a by-product of petroleum refining. It is divided into three main groups: Polypropylene copolymer, Polypropylene homopolymer and Polypropylene copolymer random. PP is the basic plastic with the lowest density, between 0.895 and 0.92 g/cm3, and is characterised by its mechanical properties, its high resistance to various acids, chemical solvents, and its dual task as a plastic and as a fibre.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polyethylene terephthalate, better known as PET, is a linear thermoplastic polymer, belonging to the polyester group, which is obtained from the polycondensation of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. It is characterised by its high resistance to wear and corrosion, as well as its high degree of transparency and crystallinity.