PVC is the most famous pipe material. However, from clothing to water bottles, PVC is a widely used plastic that can be used in many industries. Here, we will carefully study how it is used in the pipeline.
What is PVC?
PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a thermoplastic that can be used in many industries, including construction, health care, clothing and consumer goods. It is a solid, versatile plastic that can be used for a long time. PVC was first established in 1872 and commercially produced by BF Goodrich in 1920s. Since then, it has become common.
Some of the most important characteristics of PVC are:
• Density. Compared with other plastics, PVC is dense.
• Low cost. PVC is easy to obtain and cheap.
• Rigidity. Rigid PVC is among the best in hardness and durability.
• Power. Rigid PVC has excellent tensile strength, which means that a lot of force is required for stretching and breaking.
Form of PVC
PVC comes in two forms: rigid PVC or RPVC, and unplasticized PVC or uPVC. Rigid versions are used for piping, wiring insulation, clothing, etc. Although it is inflexible, it is sturdy and durable. It is one of the most commonly used pipeline materials in the United States.
CPVC is a kind of water pipe, which is made by adding chlorine to RPVC. CPVC is fireproof and is usually used in sprinkler systems and drinking water pipelines.
uPVC or unplasticized PVC is used for window frames and wall panels. It is rigid and is often used to replace wood in architectural applications. uPVC is also used for pipes and is still the most popular outside the United States. It can be used to replace cast iron for heavy pipe.
How is PVC used in buildings?
PVC is used for pipes, floors, wallboards and windows. The pipe is usually leak free because the plastic is not easy to crack or break. Because it is not easy to corrode, it can be used indoors and outdoors.
Flexible PVC is used to make floors such as vinyl tile and sheet flooring, as well as wall coverings and wire and cable insulation. It is used in many industries, such as health care and education, because it is waterproof and easy to walk.
Window frames and wallboards are also made of uPVC, which helps consumers save energy. For example, vinyl window frames provide three times the thermal insulation of aluminum windows.
Advantages of using PVC
PVC is durable and widely used, and has many advantages in pipeline.
1. Firm and durable. Compared with cast iron pipes, recyclable PVC pipes rarely break or break. It can also last at least 50 years.
2. Economical. Compared with materials such as wood or copper, PVC is cost-effective and gives you value for money.
3. Light. PVC material is lighter than other building materials, so the transportation cost is lower.
4. Fire prevention. The high chlorine and low oxygen content of PVC plastics make them fire resistant.
5. Chemical corrosion resistance. PVC rarely reacts when contacting with other substances such as oil, inorganic acid, fat, salt, alkali and alcohol.
6. Versatile. PVC can be molded into various shapes and forms, or integrated into fabrics to improve durability.
Disadvantages of PVC
PVC has some disadvantages to keep in mind.
1. Release toxins. When PVC burns, it will release dioxin and hydrogen chloride, which are two highly toxic chemicals. Manufacturing facilities using PVC must be equipped with special ventilation equipment to deal with smoke.
2. Non biodegradable. Although it can be recycled, PVC will remain in the trash for a long time because it will not decompose.