POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)

Description

There are two types of PVC – Unplasticised (UPVC) and Plasticised.  As the properties and applications vary they will be dealt with separately.

UNPLASTICISED PVC

Properties

This is a cheap, rigid material which is tough under ambient conditions but it is not reliably load bearing above 60˚C.  The material has good outdoor weathering characteristics along with high clarity and flame retardance.

Colouring

UPVC is usually clear so a wide range of colours is possible.  There are some opaque versions of the material, it can be difficult to achieve a perfect colour match with these grades due to the variation in the colour of the base material.

Resistance

Finishing

UPVC can be easily machined.  Parts can be welded using a variety of methods including solvents, ultrasonic welding, hot gas and friction.

Parts moulded in this material may be painted or decorated using hot foil, silk screen printing and vacuum metallising.

Applications

UPVC is used in many outdoor apllications including replacement windows and doors, pipes, translucent sheeting, rainwater goods and bottles.

 

PLASTICISED PVC

Properties

Plasticisers are high boiling liquids which are solvents for the polymer, their addition conferring rubbery properties on the end product.  Adjustment of the type and amount of plasticisers results in a large range of flexible compositions.

The material has high abrasion resistance and good strength even at low temperature.  As with unplasticised PVC, it has high clarity and good outdoor weathering characteristics.

Colouring

PVC is usually clear so a wide range of colours is possible.  There are some opaque versions of the material, it can be difficult to achieve a perfect colour match with these grades due to the variation in the colour of the base material.

Resistance

Finishing

Depending upon the hardness of the PVC it can be .  Parts can be welded using a variety of methods including solvents, ultrasonic welding and heated tool.

Applications

As the flexibility can be widely varied applications can range from electric cable insulation and garden hoses to footwear and even baby pants!

The breakdown by end use for GPPS and HIPS in Western Europe is as follows:

***DUE TO THE NATURE OF THESE MATERIALS, PVC IS NOT MOULDED BY RUTLAND PLASTICS***

 Click Here for Other Articles

 

 

 

Can't find what you are looking for?  Use the Site Map for a quick search