PVC

PVC Full Form:

Polyvinyl Chloride

What is PVC?

One of the most widely used thermoplastic polymers globally is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (next to only a few more widely used plastics like PET and P.P.). The plastic is white and extremely brittle by nature (before the use of plasticizers). PVC is older than the majority of polymers. It is most frequently employed in the construction sector, although it is also utilized for clothing fabric, signage, and healthcare uses.

How is PVC made?

Polymerization converts the vinyl chloride monomer into PVC (VCM). Bulk (mass), emulsion, and suspension are the three main methods of polymerization. Around 80% of production is a result of suspension polymerization. The raw material VCM is compressed and liquefied before being introduced into the polymerization reactor, which already contains water and suspending agents. Following the injection of the initiator, PVC is produced in the reactor at temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Celsius under a few bars.

The role of water in the polymerization process is to control and limit heat production. Small particles develop to the right size to produce PVC, at which time the reaction is stopped and any leftover vinyl chloride is distilled off and repurposed.

Uses of PVC:

Flexible PVC's strength, dependability, and light weight assist packaging fulfil its responsibility to preserve the integrity of the contents, especially drugs. PVC is a versatile material used at various places. The below listed products can be made using PVC-

Window frames
Water service pipe
Drainage pipe
Blood storage bags
Blood storage bags
Roofing membranes
Automotive interiors and seat coverings
Stationary
Resilient flooring

PVC Types:

Unplasticized PVC (UPVC):

Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, generally known as UPVC, is a low-maintenance construction material that is frequently used for window frames and sills for installing double glazing in new construction or to replace old single glass windows. It is an alternative to painted wood. It is also used for siding, weatherboarding, and fascia. The use of the same material for waste pipes, drain pipes, guttering, and downpipes has nearly completely replaced cast iron in plumbing and drainage. Below are the examples of UPVC-

Drinking water, waste, and soil transportation
Industrial applications
Industrial drainage
Pipes and fittings
Sewage

Chlorinated PVC (CPVC):

The effective raising of the chlorine content of CPVC is known as free radical chlorination. CPVC is another thermoplastic that is utilized to create many of the same products as PVC. CPVC can withstand temperatures of up to 200 ℉. Following are some of the examples of CPVC-

Industrial liquid handling
Transporting water with a wider temperature range
Transporting drinking water 
Pipes and fittings

Molecular oriented PVC (OPVC):

One of the many PVC pipe variations is PVC-O, often called molecularly oriented PVC. To make molecularly oriented PVC, manufacturers change the amorphous PVC-U structure into a significantly more layered form. Thus, it represents a better version of unplasticized PVC. In comparison to U-PVC, molecularly orientated PVC pipes are more efficient, recyclable, corrosion-resistant, and maintain water purity.

You might want to consider utilizing them if you reside somewhere where pipes are constantly subjected to pressure. They provide an excellent balance of strength, flexibility, and stiffness. Pipes made with molecularly oriented PVC are ductile, have a large hydraulic capacity, and are crack-resistant. As a result, they are incredibly resilient to impact and fatigue. Here are some examples of OPVC-

Fittings and pipes when high pressure is anticipated
Sewer systems on unsteady terrain
Pipe irrigation
Mains for sewer pumping

High Impact PVC (PVC-HI):

The most recent variety of PVC pipe is high impact PVC, also referred to as PVC-Hi. They are produced by adding various chemicals to PVC to increase the material's resistance to impact. Despite having many benefits, standard PVC had a limited range of applications because it wasn't robust enough. PVC and polycarbonate were alloyed by scientists to address this issue. This produced an alloy composition that exhibited exceptional dimensional stability under heat or pressure. As a result, a solid thermoplastic resin composition with remarkable impact strength and thermal distortion resistance was created. Below are some examples of Hi-PVC.

Distribution of drinking water
Irrigation
Drainage
Coldwater devices

Blow Molding:

The usage of stabilizers like cadmium and lead, the discharge of hydrochloric (HCl) acids during manufacture, and the release of residual vinyl chloride monomers after molding have all drawn criticism for PVC, despite it being the third most widely used plastic in the world (most of these problems have been reduced). Both rigid and flexible versions of transparent PVC are available; blow molding is typically used with the flexible resin. Examples of usual applications include soft medical parts, traffic cones, and bellows. To prevent corrosion from HCl, it is suggested that appropriate processing equipment be used. PVC is recyclable. Following are some of the examples-

Storage containers
Bottle caps
Oil jugs

Injection Molding:

A popular melt technique is injection molding, which is more frequently employed with thermoplastics other than PVC than with PVC itself. The main causes of this are two fundamental qualities that are specific to unplasticized PVC compounds. High melt viscosity and thermal instability are two qualities that produce situations that process owners must carefully foresee and control.

Bottles
Caps
Bags, etc.

Extrusion:

Products made from PVC are widely extruded to make products that are utilized in commercial, industrial, and consumer applications. There are two ways to manufacture PVC: rigid or flexible. The best method for producing PVC parts and goods is extrusion. Lead times and costs are lowered as a result of the process' efficiency and ability to manufacture practically continuously. The majority of extrusion is done with screw-type extruders. These extruders employ a screw auger to force plastic through dies to produce the desired forms.

Toys
Pipes and tubing

Benefits of PVC:

Durable
Reduces blockage
Leak free
Quicker installation
Less cost
Easily available
Corrosion resistant
Chemical resistant

Forms: PVC Powder, Grinding, PVC Suspension, Scrap, Rolls, Lumps, Sheet Hard PVC, Soft PVC and Finished Good.