What is PVC? This material is polyvinyl chloride. It belongs to the group of thermoplastics - plastic, which after the molding process of the product retains the ability to recycle. Pure PVC material consists of 43 percent ethylene. The remaining 57 percent is bound chlorine.
PVC material - what is it? Polyvinyl chloride is isolated in powder form and is used in many sectors of the economy. The most famous product in the production of which this material is used is metal-plastic windows. For the production of window profiles, special pigments, stabilizers, modifiers and many other auxiliary additives are added to the powdered polyvinyl chloride. Thanks to them, the product becomes virtually invulnerable to direct sunlight, temperature extremes and other environmental factors.
What is PVC? Physical features
The main feature of PVC material is strength. According to its properties, polyvinyl chloride is practically not subjected to deformations and other mechanical stresses. The degree of strength of this material itself depends on the structure of macromolecules, as well as on the structure of the polymer.
PVC material - what is it? Characteristic
This substance is characterized as a non-combustible thermoplastic material that lends itself well to mechanical processing on conventional machines and is easily welded with hot air at a temperature of 200-300 degrees Celsius. In addition, it can stick to various types of glue (often it is based on perchlorovinyl resin). Moreover, this material can be glued to wood, concrete and metal products. PVC is not afraid of the effects of many types of acids, as well as aliphatic, chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons. The strength of adhesive and welded joints is about 85-90 percent of the strength of the material itself.
Due to its high elastic and bending strength, polyvinyl chloride is widely in demand among fishermen who make articulated tops of spinning rods as well as winter fishing rods. As practice shows, such products do not lose their properties even at a temperature of minus 45 degrees Celsius.
Dielectric properties
When listing the properties of PVC, it is also necessary to note the fact that polyvinyl chloride is a good dielectric (it does not conduct electric current through itself). However, when heated to a temperature of 85 or more degrees Celsius, this material quickly loses these properties. As for weight, the density of PVC is heavier than polyethylene, but lighter than fluoroplastic and phenol-formaldehyde plastic.
High fire resistance of PVC is achieved through the use of such a component as chlorine in its production. It is he who reduces the risk of flammability of hard polyvinyl chloride.
Chemical properties
As we noted earlier, PVC is practically immune to the effects of certain types of acids. This is true - polyvinyl chloride does not change its properties under the action of alkalis, gasoline, kerosene, solutions of salts and metals.
Also up to 60
degrees Celsius, this material is resistant to hydrochloric and formic acid. PVC is resistant to oxidation and glycerol, fats and glycols. As for alcohols, polyvinyl chloride does not dissolve in ethyl and methyl alcohols, higher alcohols, as well as lubricating and vegetable oils. It is not vulnerable to acid wastewater.
Where is it used?
What is PVC, we have already found out, now let's talk about in which industries this material is used. Polyvinyl chloride is widely used in the production of flexible plastic sheets (for wall decoration and flooring), films, protective gloves and many other materials and products. Hard, unplasticized polyvinyl chloride is used to produce pipes that are immune to corrosion and some parts of doors and windows. In the field of electrical engineering, this material is used to insulate wires. They also make toys, stationery and sporting goods from it. Polyvinyl chloride fibers are used for the manufacture of fishing nets, medical underwear, knitwear and various filter technical fabrics. As you can see, PVC is used in almost all industries and households.
Characteristics of PVC products
On the Russian market, you can often find such products from polyvinyl chloride:
- Floor covering (in other words, linoleum).
- Film.
- PVC panels.
Below we briefly review each of these types of products.
What is a PVC coating? This is the surface in which special PVC tiles were used for laying the floor. They can have either a simple square or complex design.
PVC film - what is it? By its properties, it is a highly transparent, flexible and slightly stretchable material. Like all other products, it is resistant to alcohols and acids, but it has a unique ability to pass oxygen. That is why containers packaged in this film do not lose their presentation for a long time.
What are PVC panels? This is a material that is used to decorate ceilings and walls in various rooms. It is often used for wall covering in the kitchen and in the bathroom.
How does polyvinyl chloride affect the human body?
Vinyl chloride itself is characterized as a very strong poison, which produces toxic substances when burned. In humans, this substance has a terato, carcinogen and mutagenic effect. As a result of numerous studies, scientists have proved that the effect of PVC on humans causes cancer in various organs and tissues (including the brain, lungs and liver), as well as disrupts the lymphatic and hematopoietic systems. With constant action in high concentrations, vinyl chloride can even cause paralysis of the nervous system up to a complete stop of breathing. However, modern manufacturers took into account all these properties and therefore produce PVC according to a special technology. Modern PVC products (if they are of high quality) do not have such a terrible effect on humans. Therefore, in order not to risk your health, when buying PVC products, you should trust only world famous manufacturers.
So, we found out what PVC is and what effect it has on the human body.