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Plastic Properties of Polyvinylchloride (PVC)

 

Polyvinylchloride (PVC) has a linear structure similar to polyethylene but with a chlorine atom replacing a hydrogen atom on alternate carbon atoms. PVC itself is hard and rigid but the addition of phthalate esters as plasticizers makes it soft and pliable and ideal for gloves, photographic dishes and tubing. Polyvinylchloride is generally transparent with a bluish tint. It is attacked by many organic solvents but it has a very good resistance to oils and it has a low permeability to gases. In its rigid from PVC is available in sheets which can readily be welded to produce tanks, trays and troughs. It is not recommended for use above 70° Celsius although it can be taken to 80° for short periods. Dynalab Corp's plastic fabrication shop fabricates thousands of catalog and custom PVC products.

PVC fabrication quote request.

Don't see the answers to your PVC questions? It must be time to see what Mr. Plastic has to say. Mr. Plastic is a wealth of technical, practical and even some hysterical plastic advice.

  PVC is a great product for machining. Above shows two disks as well as a small section of machined piping.

PVC Resistance:

Excellent resistance (no attack) to Dilute and Concentrated Acids, Alcohols, Bases, Aliphatic Hydrocarbons and Mineral Oils.
Good resistance (minor attack) to Vegetable Oils and Oxidizing Agents.
Limited resistance (moderate attack and suitable for short term use only) to Aldehydes.
Poor resistance (not recommended for use) with Aldehydes, Esters, Aromatic and Halogenated Hydrocarbons, and Ketones.

Polyvinylchloride Fabrication:

This unique material is glueable and weldable.
Supplied in gray, white, and clear, in sheet, rod, or tubing.
PVC is very machineable and heat bends nicely.
This is a popular material for tanks and fittings.
PVC is commonly used for nuts, bolts, ducts, hoods, and process tanks. 

Polyvinylchloride Quick Facts:

Maximum Temperature: 158°F 70°C 
Minimum Temperature: -13°F -25°C
Autoclavable: No
Melting Point: 176°F 80°C 
Tensile Strength: 6,500 psi
Hardness: R105
UV Resistance: Good
Clear
Rigid
Specific Gravity: 1.34

Additional Information

Chemical Properties A-F Chemical Properties G-Z Physical Properties of Plastic Use and Care of Plastics
The above downloads are Adobe PDF files and require Adobe Acrobat Reader
 

Additional Products

 Polycarbonate  High Density Polyethylene  Low Density Polyethylene Nylon  PVC
 PTFE Acrylic  ABS Polypropylene  Acetal