Polyvinyl chloride, better known as PVC-U, is an amorphous thermoplastic material with an outstanding chemical resistance, a low flammability and a great versatility. PVC is the third most produced thermoplastic materials worldwide. PVC forms offered by the market are various: we only threat PVC-U (unplasticized), or rigid.
Rigid Polyvinyl chloride is a cost-effective material, which links a great resistance to impact, water, weather, chemicals and corrosive agents.
About impact strength, it assures a great behaviour, it is abrasion resistant, it has low specific weight and it is tough. Its durability is worldwide known, it is used for a various number of outdoor applications.
Its temperature range goes from 0° to +60°C, which is quit a low range; moreover, it becomes more brittle at 5°C. PVC-U can be anyway improved with impact modifiers and additives, to increase the temperature range. In this case the range starts from -20°C.
It has an amazing electrical insulation, thanks to high dielectric strength. It is largely used in electrical industry.
One of the most important characteristics of PVC-U is its fire resistance. Thank to the high presence of chloride, PVC-U results auto-extinguished (UL94 V0). Its oxidation index is >45. Antimony trioxide has been used extensively, usually in combination with phosphate ester plasticizers, giving excellent fire performance and mechanical properties.
Another amazing property of PVC-U is its chemical resistance: PVC is resistant to all inorganic chemicals. It has very good resistance against diluted acids, diluted alkalis and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Attacked by ketones; some grades swollen or attacked by chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, some aromatic ethers and amines, and nitro- compounds.
It is usually not suitable for food contact, we can anyway collaborate with few Companies which can supply semi-finished products made of PVC-U FDA and EU 10/2011 certified.
Polyvinyl chloride is available in rods, tubs and plates and we can supply it in ivory white, black, grey RAL 7011 and red.
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