PVC materials are synthetic polymers that are classified as base polymers. As a raw material, 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 that may have different chemical and physical characteristics. PVC-based materials can be plasticized and non-plasticized. In appearance, polyvinyl chloride is a white powder that is odorless and tasteless. It is quite strong, has excellent dielectric characteristics, and is also insoluble in water. PVC materials are resistant to alcohols, alkalis, mineral oils. They dissolve in ethers, pre-swelling. Ketones, aromatics, and chlorinated hydrocarbons can act as solvents. The described material is resistant to oxidation and almost non-flammable. 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 achieve improved solubility and increased heat resistance, PVC is subjected tochlorination.
Main physical and chemical characteristics
Molecular weight varies from 40,000 to 145,000. The material ignites spontaneously at a temperature that is equal to 1100 degrees. While the ignition temperature is 500 degrees. The flash occurs at 624 degrees. The density is in the range of 1.34 grams per cubic centimeter. Bulk density varies from 0.4 to 0.7 grams per cubic centimeter. PVC materials begin to decompose at 100-140 degrees. Glass transition occurs at 70-80 degrees.
Environmental performance
Polyvinyl chloride is a slightly toxic substance, and decomposition products can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract in humans. The settled dust is a fire hazard. If the material is heated by more than 150 degrees, then the destruction of the polymer begins, 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 able to undergo cooling down to -60 degrees.
Production Features
If you are interested in the question of what PVC material is, then you need to familiarize yourself with the production technology. Table s alt during electrolysis decomposes into hydrogen, chlorine and caustic soda. Previously, the first component dissolves in water, and decomposition occurs under the influence of an electric charge. Ethylene is produced separately from gas or oil through a process called cracking. The next step is the combination of chlorine and acetylene. The final product is ethylene dichloride, which is then used to produce 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 are combined, as a result, it is possible to obtain a granulate. It is also a raw material, and various substances are added to it in order to achieve a wide variety of material characteristics.
PVC Products
To make all kinds of products from PVC material today is quite simple. Various technologies are used for this, among them are rolling, injection molding, and extrusion. Suspension PVC, for example, is used for the manufacture of soft, rigid and semi-soft, as well as plasticized plastics. Emulsion PVC forms the basis of soft products.
Use area
PVC-coated material based entirely on polyvinyl chloride has found its way into medical applications today. The impetus for mass use in this area was the need to replace glass and rubber with sterilized disposable and reusable items. SoOver time, polyvinyl chloride has become more widespread due to its inertness and chemical stability. Medical products made of PVC can be used even inside the human body, they do not crack, they are easy to sterilize and they do not leak.
Polyvinyl chloride is widely used as a material for the production of vehicles. 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 the PVC material and its other characteristics listed above made it possible to extend the life of the car. Today, the warranty period is 17 years, while back in the seventies of the last century, this figure was not more than 11 years.
Application in this area has made it possible 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 production of protective panels, airbags and other things. The fire resistance of the material also improves vehicle safety.
If you are thinking about what PVC material is, you also need to know that it is actively used for design purposes. This is due to the fact that from it you can create a product of any shape.
Construction use
If we considerall polymers, it is PVC that is most widely used in construction. As the main characteristics that are valued in this industry, one can single out wear resistance, low weight, mechanical strength, resistance to corrosion and other processes, as well as temperature and weather effects. PVC can be called an excellent refractory material that is difficult to ignite. That is why it can be used at those facilities that have special fire safety requirements.
Conclusion
If you decide to use PVC for personal purposes, which material is better than it, it is important to decide before the 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.
