What is PVC? PDF

11/26/24, 7:10 PM What is PVC? | Everything you need to know about this material 0...

11/26/24, 7:10 PM What is PVC? | Everything you need to know about this material 0 4.2 / 167 Menu Back | Home | Blog Thomas What is PVC? PVC is a very versatile material that is easy to work with. But what is the difference between solid PVC and foamed PVC? Does one material have advantages over the other? This page will tell you everything you want to know about these two types of PVC, and PVC in general. Types of PVC In our wide range, you will find two types of PVC: solid PVC & foamed PVC. Solid PVC and foamed PVC are two different variants of PVC sheets, and each has its own properties. Solid PVC Foamed PVC Sheet type Solid sheet Solid top layers with foamed core Impact-resistant Yes No Machinability Good Good Price Inexpensive Inexpensive Total colours 2 colours 5+ colours  Show all Other names for PVC PVC can be divided into different categories based on properties, production methods and intended use. For example, some types of PVC use plasticisers and are flexible. We do not offer these types of PVC. Plasticisers are widely criticised for their health risks. Some common names for PVC are: Type Applications Plasticisers In our prod Unplasticised PVC (uPVC) Solid strong form of PVC Window frames, None Yes Cladding, Pipes Plasticised PVC (pPVC) Flexible and soft Electric cables, Floors, Yes No Inflatable products https://plasticsheetsshop.co.uk/blog/what-is-pvc/ 1/8 11/26/24, 7:10 PM What is PVC? | Everything you need to know about this material Type Applications Plasticisers In our prod 0 4.2 / 167 Chl i d PVC (CPVC) Hi h HShow all i Y N Menu Chemical properties of PVC PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a thermoplastic polymer, and is composed of vinyl chloride monomers. It is therefore a synthetic plastic with several important properties, such as: Chemical stability: PVC is resistant to many chemicals, including acids, alkalis and salts. Flame resistance: PVC is hardly flammable and to some extent flame retardant. Durability: PVC is a highly durable material that can withstand harsh environmental conditions, moisture and higher temperatures. Insulating properties: PVC is a good electrical insulator, making it useful in electrical applications. Very hygienic: PVC is very hygienic as bacteria and similar items cannot adhere well to the material. Therefore, it is often used in medical and food processing applications. Density: PVC has a density of 1.38-1.59 g/cm³, which is lower than many other plastics. Manufacturing process of PVC PVC is a sturdy and robust sheet that does not contain plasticiser, which makes it very durable. Making these strong sheets requires a unique manufacturing process, which includes several steps: 1 Polymerisation The process starts with the polymerisation of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) to form polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. The VCM is subjected to high pressure and temperatures to initiate the reaction, which is catalysed by a peroxide or other initiators. The polymerisation reaction results in the formation of powdered PVC resin. 2 Mixing The PVC resin is then mixed with various additives, such as stabilisers, lubricants and pigments. This improves its properties and performance. The additives are mixed with the PVC resin to form a homogeneous mixture. 3 Extrusion The PVC mixture is then fed into an extruder, a machine that melts the mixture and pushes it through a die to form a continuous profile. The profile can have different shapes and sizes, depending on the design specifications. 4 Cooling The extruded profile is cooled by passing it through a water bath or air cooling system to solidify it and maintain its shape https://plasticsheetsshop.co.uk/blog/what-is-pvc/ 2/8 11/26/24, 7:10 PM What is PVC? | Everything you need to know about this material 5 Cutting and finishing 0 4.2 / 167 The cooled profile is then cut to the desired length and finished according to specific application requirements, such as drilling holes, welding or gluing. Menu In general, the manufacturing process of PVC is similar to that of other PVC products, but the absence of plasticisers makes it a sturdier and more durable material, suitable for various applications. Applications of PVC PVC is a very versatile material and is therefore used for many applications. PVC is mainly found in industries such as construction, healthcare, automotive and consumer goods. Construction PVC is the most widely used plastic in construction. This is due to the durable, weather-resistant and low-maintenance properties of this robust material. PVC is often used for this purpose: Pipe systems Profiles Flooring Cable insulation Roofing. Healthcare PVC is commonly used in healthcare, because of the material’s flexibility, transparency and hygienic properties. Healthcare PVC is often not PVC sheets, but flexible variants, such as for: Medical pipes Blood bags Infusion bags. Automotive In the automotive industry, PVC is used because of its durability, low maintenance and wide range of colours and textures. Applications of PVC in the automotive sector can include: Interior and exterior cladding Electrical insulation Hoses Fuel lines Coolant hoses Vacuum lines https://plasticsheetsshop.co.uk/blog/what-is-pvc/ 3/8 11/26/24, 7:10 PM What is PVC? | Everything you need to know about this material Consumer goods 0 4.2 / 167 Because PVC is made in different shapes and sizes, and is often lightweight and transparent, PVC is often found in many consumer goods. It is durable, colourful and can be formed into different shapes. PVC applications in consumer goods include: Menu Packaging Toys Inflatable products Boats Available colours and thicknesses Both solid PVC and foamed PVC are available in our webshop in various colours and thicknesses. Foamed PVC in particular offers a number of special colours. Thicknesses 2mm  Show all 3mm  Show all 4mm  Show all Colours  Show all What are the processing possibilities of PVC? Both solid and foamed PVC can be processed in various ways. Processing options for solid PVC include cutting, drilling, welding, printing. Foamed PVC is also suitable for cutting and printing. Milling is also an option. Below you will find all the processing options for solid PVC and foamed PVC. https://plasticsheetsshop.co.uk/blog/what-is-pvc/ 4/8 11/26/24, 7:10 PM What is PVC? | Everything you need to know about this material Solid PVC 0 4.2 / 167 Drilling Menu  More information Glueing  More information  Show all Foamed PVC Cutting  More information Drilling  More information  Show all Assembling PVC Solid and foamed PVC can be mounted in different ways. The choice between the different methods depends on the application and your desired result. Solid PVC can easily be mounted with screws, nails or glue. You can also mount solid PVC with brackets or clips such as spacers. Foamed PVC is more vulnerable than solid PVC, and therefore requires more care when mounting. You can mount foamed PVC with glue because of its light weight, or with mounting stands that hold the panel in place and provide extra support. What are the properties of PVC? Both types of PVC each have their own unique properties. Below, we have listed the properties in advantages and disadvantages for you for solid and foamed PVC. Solid PVC Advantages of solid PVC – Chemical resistance – Strong and durable – Easy to maintain – Moisture resistant – Mould resistant – Easy to process – Lifetime of 30+ years https://plasticsheetsshop.co.uk/blog/what-is-pvc/ 5/8 11/26/24, 7:10 PM What is PVC? | Everything you need to know about this material Disadvantages of solid PVC 0 – Not suitable for exposure to very extreme weather conditions 4.2 / 167 Foamed MenuPVC Advantages of foamed PVC Light weight Chemical resistant High insulation value Aesthetic Easy-care Moisture-resistant Easy to work with Lifetime of 30+ years Disadvantages of foamed PVC Less strong than solid PVC Not suitable for exposure to very extreme weather conditions How do I maintain PVC? Both solid PVC and foamed PVC are very easy to maintain. It is recommended to clean the material once in a while with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Do not use aggressive agents or objects when cleaning both types of PVC. Frequently asked questions  What is the difference between solid PVC and foamed PVC?  What are the processing possibilities of solid PVC and foamed PVC?  What are the applications of solid PVC and foamed PVC?  How can I clean solid PVC and foamed PVC?  Are solid PVC and foamed PVC environmentally friendly?  Are PVC products safe to use due to plasticisers? Thomas https://plasticsheetsshop.co.uk/blog/what-is-pvc/ 6/8 11/26/24, 7:10 PM What is PVC? | Everything you need to know about this material 0 4.2 / 167  More about Thomas Menu Published: 9 October 2018 Share this article      Customer service Open until 2:00 Customer service Payment options Reviews 4.2 / 167 ratings Secure shopping Service Customer service Shipping costs FAQ My account About us Advice & inspiration Sustainability Terms and conditions Popular sheets Acrylic sheets cut to size Perspex cut to size Cheap acrylic sheets (XT) Black acrylic sheets Clear acrylic sheets https://plasticsheetsshop.co.uk/blog/what-is-pvc/ 7/8 11/26/24, 7:10 PM What is PVC? | Everything you need to know about this material White acrylic sheets 0 4.2 / 167 Cast acrylic sheets Extruded acrylic sheets Menu PVC foam sheets Recycled plastic sheets Applications Material names Plastic sheets HPL sheets PMMA sheets Polycarbonate sheets PVC sheets Aluminium Composite Panels White opal acrylic sheets Tinted acrylic sheets HDPE sheets Cookie policy Privacy statement Disclaimer NL BE DE DE-HPL DE-PMMA AT PL FR FR-PMMA ES IT Follow us     plastic sheetsshop.co.uk https://plasticsheetsshop.co.uk/blog/what-is-pvc/ 8/8