Polyvinyl chloride (PVC, polyvinyl chloride, vinyl, vestolit, hostalit, vinnol, corvic, sikron, jeon, nippeon, sumilit, lukovil, helvik, norvik etc.) is a colorless, transparent plastic, thermoplastic polymer of vinyl chloride. It is characterized by chemical resistance to alkalis, mineral oils, many acids and solvents. It does not burn in the air and has a low resistance to frost (–15 °C).
Thermal resistance: +65 °C.
Chemical formula: [-CH2-CHCl-]n. International name – PVC.
Application
It is used for electric insulation of wires and cables, production of sheets, tubes (mainly chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), films, films for stretched ceilings, artificial leathers, PVC fiber, expanded polyvinyl chloride, linoleum, mudguard rugs, shoe plastic compounds, furniture edges, etc. It is also used for the production of gramophone records (i.e. vinyl records) and frames for the manufacture of windows and doors.
Polyvinyl chloride is also commonly used in clothes and accessories to create a material similar skin, which is characterized by smoothness and glance.
Polyvinyl chloride is used as a sealant in domestic refrigerators, instead of relatively complex mechanical valves. This made it possible to apply magnetic valves in the form of magnetized elastic inserts, placed in the seal container. Washable wallpaper is covered with PVC film on the front side, which makes the wallpaper waterproof. It is also widely used in pyrotechnics as a chlorine donor needed for the manufacture of colored lights.
It is widely used in advertising: for dressing of shop outlet windows, creating of advertising banners and posters. It serves as a raw material for the production of various types of products from gramophone records and posters to stickers. The metal lath of the octagon, where competitions in MMA take place, is coated with PVC layer. PVC is also used to make condoms for people allergic to latex.
Polyvinyl chloride is used in the manufacture of knitted work gloves for the application of different patterns on the knitted base. PVC-pattern on the glove ensures a good grip when performing different jobs, prevents the sliding process and increases wear resistance of the products.
Polyvinyl chloride is used for the production of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, which has the highest fire resistance characteristics and the highest ignition temperature (482 °C) among thermoplastics.