Plastic is the most used material in the world, from phone cases to water bottles and electrical switchboards. There are different categories of plastic available today. However, polyvinyl chloride takes the lead in a durable plastic polymer.
A German chemist Eugen Baumann synthesized the material in the late 20th century. Later, two Russian chemists, Fritz Klatte and Ivan Ostromislensky, used it commercially for the first time. According to chemists, the material is more rigid than other plastic polymers, and sometimes the entire process requires much effort.
PVC is fundamentally in the form of white flaky granules, which can be fused with plasticizers and fillers to modify according to the required task. The material is widely used in construction applications. However, there are other interesting applications of pvc powder as well.
Uses of PVC
PVC powder has a chemical formula, C2H3Cl, and is not soluble in alcohol and water. Its resistance makes it ideal for various applications.
Flooring And Window Frames
In Europe, it is widely used for flooring, artificial leather, and decorative sheets due to its Vinyl nature. PVC powder is used with or without plasticizers. The application of the material in construction and flooring requires plasticized PVC. In comparison, unplasticized PVC is used for building window frames.
Window sliding made from PVC is highly durable and energy-conserving. Moreover, they also provide sealing qualities absent in traditional construction materials. A PVC-constructed window frame never peels, fades, or cracks.
Pipe Making
The second most common application of PVC powder is in making water pipes. It is perfect for installing where the environment promotes rust and corrosion. PVC pipes are resistant to rust and last significantly longer than metal water pipes.
There are different kinds of PVC pipes. For instance, the most common are PVC-U pipes. The PVC-U pipes use unplasticized PVC. Rather the solvent is added to PVC material to increase its strength and flexibility.
Cables
PVC powders are plasticized to produce PVC cables as well. Unlike other cables, PVC synthesized cables offer increased durability for up to 20 years and are fire-resistant. PVC cables have a slimmer structure, making them an ideal choice for indoor wiring without overloading the conduit.
Packaging
The most common everyday use of PVC powders is PVC packing. These packagings are flexible, transparent, lightweight, tough, and safe. These are widely used in food industries as they don’t affect the taste of the food.
PVC powders have an intrinsic sealing property exhibited in all its products. The PVC packing is a great sealant and prevents bacteria and microorganisms from entering the product. Moreover, it is resistant to water and oxygen, so it keeps the food fresh for longer.
Household Products
PVC powders are widely used to make household products as well. Some common examples are floors, tents, shower curtains, etc. The material has wide applications due to its flexibility, versatility, and little-wearing nature.
Manufacturers also manufacture PVC chairs, bowls, taps, storage containers, and millions of everyday useable products.
The Bottom Line
PVC powders were commercially used in 1920 for the first time. However, their market has grown since then. Studies reveal that PVC is the third most consumed material on the planet, and its consumption will reach up to sixty million tons annually by 2026.
PVC is fundamentally synthesized in the form of powder. However, fillers and plasticizers are later added to change the rigidity according to the task. Some of the common applications are listed above. Its major uses are in the construction, household, and piping industries.