Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a popular thermoplastic that's odorless, solid, brittle, and generally white in color. It's currently
ranked as the third most widely used plastic in the world (behind polyethylene and polypropylene). PVC is most commonly used in plumbing and drainage applications, although it's also sold in the form of pellets or as resin in its powder form.
What is use of PVC?
The use of PVC is predominant in the home construction industry. It's regularly employed as a replacement or alternative for metal pipes (especially copper, galvanized steel, or cast iron), and in many applications where corrosion can compromise functionality and escalate maintenance costs. In addition to residential applications, PVC is also used routinely for municipal, industrial, military, and commercial projects.
In general, PVC is much easier to work with than metal pipe. It can be cut to the desired length with simple hand tools. Fittings and pipe conduits do not have to be welded. Pipes are connected with the use of joints, solvent cement, and special glues. Another advantage of PVC is that some products to which plasticizers have been added are softer and more flexible, as opposed to being rigid, making them easier to install. PVC is also widely used in both flexible and rigid forms as insulation for electrical components such as wire and cable.
In the healthcare industry, PVC can be found in the form of feeding tubes, blood bags, intravenous (IV) bags, parts of dialysis devices, and a host of other items. It should be noted that such applications are only possible when phthalates—chemicals that produce flexible grades of PVC and other plastics—are added to the PVC formulation.
Common consumer products such as raincoats, plastic bags, children's toys, credit cards, garden hoses, door and window frames, and shower curtains—to name just a few things you'll likely find in your own household—are also made from PVC in one form or another.
PVC Application
: Widely used in
Pipes,
Electric cables,
Construction,
Signs,
Clothing,
Healthcare,
Wire rope
.