What is PVC material?

PVC materials are synthetic polymers that belong to basic polymers. In the role of raw materials, chlorine is used in the amount of 57%, as well as oil in the amount of 43%.

general description

Polyvinyl chloride refers to synthetic thermoplastic materials. Depending on what the polymerization conditions were, a product is formed which can have different chemical and physical characteristics. Materials based on PVC can be plasticized and unplasticized. In appearance, polyvinyl chloride is a white powder that does not have a smell and taste. It is strong enough, has excellent dielectric characteristics, and is insoluble in water. PVC materials are resistant to the effects of alcohols, alkalis, mineral oils. They dissolve in ethers, previously swelling. As solvents, ketones, aromatic, and also chlorinated hydrocarbons can appear. The material described is resistant to oxidation and almost non-combustible. It has resistance, low heat resistance, and when exposed to a temperature of 100 degrees it decomposes, starting to release hydrogen chloride. In order to improve the solubility and increase the heat resistance, polyvinylchloride is subjected to chlorination.

Basic physical and chemical characteristics

Molecular weight varies from 40 000 to 145 000. The material ignites at a temperature that is 1100 degrees. Whereas the ignition temperature 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. Glassing is carried out at 70-80 degrees.

Ecological characteristics

Polyvinyl chloride is a slightly toxic substance, and decomposition products can cause irritation in the upper respiratory tract in a person. The settled dust is fire hazardous. If the material heats up more than 150 degrees, then the destruction of the polymer starts, which is accompanied by the release of hydrogen chloride, as well as carbon monoxide. These processes have a harmful effect on 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 PVC material is, you need to familiarize yourself with the technology of production. Salt in the course of electrolysis decomposes into hydrogen, chlorine and caustic soda. First, the first component dissolves in water, and decomposition occurs under the influence of an electric charge. Separately, from the gas or oil through a process called cracking, ethylene is produced. The next step is the combination of chlorine and acetylene. Ultimately, ethylene dichloride is obtained, which is then used to produce the vinyl chloride monomer. It is the latter component that acts as a basic element in the production of PVC. During the polymerization, the molecules of the vinyl chloride monomer combine to form a granulate. It is also a raw material, and all kinds of substances are added to it, in order to achieve the most diverse characteristics of the material.

PVC products

It is quite easy to make all kinds of products from PVC material today. For this, different technologies are used, among them, rolling, pressure casting, and extrusion can be distinguished. Suspension PVC, for example, is used for the production of soft, hard and semi-soft, as well as plasticized plastics. Emulsion PVC is the basis of soft products.

Scope of use

The material with PVC-coating, completely made on the basis of polyvinyl chloride, has now found its application in medicine. 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 inertia and chemical stability. Medical products made of PVC can be used even inside the human body, they do not crack, easily sterilize and do not leak.

Polyvinyl chloride is widely used as a material for the production of 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, interior trim and so on. The density of PVC material and other of its characteristics listed above allowed to prolong the life of the car. Today, the warranty period is 17 years, whereas in the seventies of the last century this figure was not more than 11 years.

Application in this area allowed to achieve a reduction in 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 the safety of cars. It is used in the manufacture of protective panels, airbags and other. Stability of the material to fire also increases the safety of the car.

If you are thinking about what PVC material is, you need to know also that it is actively used for design purposes. This is due to the fact that it is possible to create a product of any shape from it.

Use in construction

If we consider all polymers, then PVC is most widely used in construction. As the main characteristics that are valued in this industry, it is possible to identify wear resistance, low weight, mechanical strength, resistance to corrosion and other processes, as well as temperature effects and weather phenomena. PVC can be called an excellent refractory material, which is difficult to ignite. That is why it can be used on those facilities to which special requirements for fire safety are made.

Conclusion

If you decide to use PVC for personal purposes, what material is better than it, it is important to decide before the moment of purchase. However, it should be noted that polyvinyl chloride has found wide distribution in different areas for a variety of objective reasons. Most of them were described in the article.