PVC materials are synthetic polymers that relate to base polymers. The raw materials used are chlorine in an amount of 57%, as well as oil in a volume of 43%.
general description
Polyvinyl chloride refers to synthetic thermoplastic materials. Depending on what the polymerization conditions were, a product is formed that can have different chemical and physical characteristics. PVC-based materials can be plasticized and non-plasticized. In appearance, polyvinyl chloride is a white powder that does not have a smell and taste. It is quite durable, has excellent dielectric characteristics, and is also insoluble in water. PVC materials are resistant to alcohols, alkalis, mineral oils. They dissolve in ethers, previously swelling. Ketones, aromatic as well as chlorinated hydrocarbons can act as solvents. The described material is resistant to oxidation and is almost non-combustible. It has a resistance, low heat resistance, and decomposes when exposed to a temperature of 100 degrees, starting to release hydrogen chloride. In order to improve solubility and increase heat resistance, polyvinyl chloride is chlorinated.
Basic physico-chemical characteristics
The molecular weight varies from 40,000 to 145,000. The material spontaneously ignites at a temperature that is 1100 degrees. Whereas the flash point is 500 degrees. The flash occurs at 624 degrees. Density is in the range of 1.34 grams per centimeter cubic. Bulk density varies from 0.4 to 0.7 grams per centimeter cubic. PVC materials begin to decompose at 100-140 degrees. Glass transition is carried out at 70-80 degrees.
Environmental characteristics
Polyvinyl chloride is a slightly toxic substance, and decomposition products can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract in humans. The settled dust is fire hazard. If the material is heated by more than 150 degrees, then the destruction of the polymer begins, which is accompanied by the release of hydrogen chloride, as well as carbon monoxide. These processes adversely affect the human body.
PVC materials can be used for a long time at a maximum temperature of 60 degrees. The plasticized variety is capable of undergoing cooling to -60 degrees.
Production Features
If you are interested in the question of what is PVC material, then you need to familiarize yourself with the production technology. Salt is decomposed into hydrogen, chlorine and caustic soda during electrolysis . Previously, the first component is dissolved in water, and decomposition occurs under the influence of an electric charge. Separately from gas or oil, through a process called cracking, ethylene is produced. The next step is the combination of chlorine and acetylene. The result is ethylene dichloride, which is then used to produce vinyl chloride monomer. It is the last component that acts as the basic element in the production of PVC. During the polymerization, the molecules of the vinyl chloride monomer are combined, as a result, granules can be obtained. It is also a raw material, and various substances are added to it in order to achieve the most diverse characteristics of the material.
PVC products
To make all kinds of products from PVC material is quite simple today. For this, different technologies are used, among them rolling, molding under the influence of pressure, and also extrusion can be distinguished. Suspension PVC, for example, is used for the manufacture of soft, hard and semi-soft, as well as plasticized plastics. Emulsion PVC forms the basis of soft products.
Area of use
A material with a PVC coating, completely made on the basis of polyvinyl chloride, has found its application in medicine today. The impetus for mass use in this area was the need to replace glass and rubber with sterilized disposable and reusable items. Over time, polyvinyl chloride has become more widespread due to inertness and chemical stability. Medical products made of PVC can be used even inside the human body, they do not crack, are easily sterilized and do not leak.
Polyvinyl chloride is widely used as a material for transport. In this area, it is considered the second most common polymer after polypropylene. In the automotive industry it is used for the manufacture of sealing products, coatings, cable insulation, armrests, instrument doors, trim and so on. The density of the PVC material and its other characteristics listed above allowed to extend the life of the car. Today, the warranty period is 17 years, while back in the seventies of the last century, this figure was not more than 11 years.
Application in this area has made it possible to reduce fuel costs. This is due to the fact that the polymer weighs less, while the quality of the car does not decrease. Polyvinyl chloride has improved car safety. It is used in the manufacture of protective panels, airbags and more. The fire resistance of the material also increases vehicle safety.
If you are thinking about what PVC material is, then you also need to know that it is actively used for design purposes. This is due to the fact that from it you can create a product of any shape.
Use in construction
If we consider all the polymers, then it is PVC that is most widely used in construction. The main characteristics that are valued in this industry are wear resistance, low weight, mechanical strength, resistance to corrosion and other processes, as well as temperature and weather conditions. PVC can be called an excellent refractory material, which is difficult to ignite. That is why it can be used at those facilities that have special fire safety requirements.
Conclusion
If you decide to use PVC for personal purposes, which material is better than it, it is important to decide before the acquisition. However, it is worth noting that polyvinyl chloride is widely used in various fields for many objective reasons. Most of them were described in the article.