Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – Types, Benefits and Uses - Petromart

1. Polyvinyl chloride is the third most used material in the whole world and has extensive applications. This thermoplastic polymer is used in the construction industry. Certain properties that make it versatile in usage and extensive in applications include its lightweight, low cost of production, easy processing, durability etc. Types of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – Benefits and Uses Types of PVC: There are two forms of Polyvinyl chloride, Plasticized and unplasticized. These forms are different from each other with respect to their plasticity, hence their names. The raw nature of PVC is rigid which is enhanced by additives called plasticisers. Rigid PVC: It is also called uPVC or unplasticized PVC which is free of a group of additives called phthalates. uPVC is often used in plumbing, siding, and building materials. Flexible PVC:

2. It is also called plasticized PVC and contains additives such as diisononyl phthalate that make it flexible. It is used wherever a sterile environment is necessary, electrical wiring that requires insulation, flooring of schools etc. Benefits: Certain properties make it a suitable material and widely used polymer in industrial applications. Some of these advantages are listed below: Durability: Because of its chemical nature, it is resistant to corrosion and weathering, unlike other metals. Hence it has become a new and ideal choice for outdoor products made to run for long life. Resistance to chemicals: PVC is resistant to many chemicals and alkalis which makes it a suitable choice for its applications in multiple fields. Insulator: PVC has great insulation properties which again makes it an excellent choice over other materials. Low cost: The extensive use of PVC also comes with the fact that; it is a very cost-friendly material which is the basic requirement of any industry to make good profits. Its constant demand in the healthcare industry is one of the examples of its increased usage. Uses: So, the versatility of PVC is well explained by its wide applications that include medical devices, medical packaging units, flooring, water pipes, seat covers, stationeries, wall coverings, and data cables. Many healthcare products also take use of PVC because of its cost and performance. Products such as blood bags, catheters and cannulae, blood transfusion sets, IV sets, surgical gloves etc. make good use of PVC. It is also used in the construction materials of sports venues i.e., roofing, flooring, and seating of sports venues.