Everything you need to know about PVC

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride or in Hebrew polyvinyl chloride) is one of the three most common types of plastic today. This, along with polyethylene and polystyrene. This is a material with many advantages, which make it a very popular material for work in the field. So what is this material, what is it used for and what are its benefits?

What is PVC?

PVC is a modern artificial material that is produced as a raw material for many purposes. It may be integrated into the production processes of a variety of products in different ways, including through injection techniques, as seen for example in the plastic injection department of Ishar Plastic Industries. It is also possible to produce sheets or surfaces of PVC, from which the customer will cut according to his needs.

How is PVC material produced?

After what is PVC, you can ask how this special material is produced? PVC is produced in a complex chemical process similar to other plastics, but the basis is quite simple. These are the following main steps: It starts with the electrolysis of salt water to produce chlorine. Then ethylene, which is extracted from oil, is added to the chlorine. The result is “PVC resin”, which can now be combined with a variety of other materials, depending on the properties of the material to be achieved. At the end of the process, PVC surfaces can have different properties of the entire material as well as of the finish of the surface. The finish may include aspects such as a non-slip finish, and of course, colors and shades according to your taste and the purpose of the material. This is of course a simple and concise description of the process. In practice, we try to obtain material that meets high commercial requirements, including compliance with various regulations, so things are a little more complicated.

Different types of PVC material

Versatility in types and uses is an important advantage of PVC:

• Industrial PVC – in the world of industry there are particularly high requirements for flooring and in general for various surfaces, including coverings for walls or work surfaces. This is because they are often required to withstand particularly extreme conditions, such as strong chemical substances that may be spilled on the floor or a lot of wear and tear. A floor for a factory room, for example, is based on PVC, can be anti-static, wear-resistant and easy to clean. It will also be able to include various markings that the factory is interested in, such as separation into zones, which will last for a long time.
• Decorative PVC – PVC-based decorative panels can be purchased as wall cladding. This way, for example, you can cover the walls with “marble”, at a much lower price than the price of real marble slabs. But with a lighter, stronger and more durable product.

• Parquet-like PVC – one of the most common uses for this material is for floor parquets. A very common finish for this is wood-like PVC. Here we actually see a perfect combination of cheap material with a luxurious look. The parquet can be installed on top of an existing floor, thereby reducing costs and shortening the work time.
• Sports PVC – PVC is also commonly used as a floor material for various sports activities. You see it installed, for example, in sports halls. Depending on each activity involved and the place itself, you can choose the dimensions, thickness, appearance of the upper part and the way the surface is upholstered from below. Thanks to this, a shock-absorbing surface is obtained, which is safe, beautiful, durable and easy to clean.

What are the advantages of the material?

Manufacturing products must take into account many aspects of chemistry and material theory. When choosing a PVC material, it will often be the right choice, thanks in part to its following advantages:

• Durability – this is a very durable material in different weather conditions, including humidity. It is a strong, elastic and unbreakable material with slow wear, so its durability is durability over time and investment in products based on it pays for itself well.
• Light weight – this is a relatively light material. In the context of strength, this is a big advantage, since it reduces the thickness needed to achieve the desired strength and the weight of the product.
• High availability – PVC is an artificial product that does not require unusual or rare raw materials for its production. Therefore it is widely available in the industry.
• Low price – PVC production is not very expensive. In combination with the larger quantities that are produced, a fairly low price is obtained as a raw material. Thanks to this, the products based on it are also discounted.
• Flexibility in options – Since PVC is actually an artificial material, it can be produced with a wide variety of properties.
• Harmless material – PVC in new harmless condition. The exception is the condition of a very old PVC product, so it may begin to break down and release hazardous substances. It is of course important to take this into account, but it is not a significant limitation. This is partly because PVC is often incorporated into products that are not particularly expensive, which are easy to replace and will probably do so over time anyway.
• The aesthetic possibilities – a cheap price does not necessarily require a cheap look and PVC may well prove this. Also, there is a lot of flexibility in the options since PVC does not have a dominant base color that may not suit you, as you see for example with the gray color of concrete or the typical and rather limited range of colors of wood. The PVC is easy to produce in advance in any desired color and does not require painting afterwards.
• Recyclable – Another interesting and useful advantage of this material is the ability to recycle it. Considering that it is plastic and that plastic is notoriously a “trouble” in terms of recycling, this is a commendable advantage.

What are the common uses of PVC material?

PVC is used for many purposes, mainly in the field of construction (for example in plumbing pipes) but also in other fields. In the past it was seen for example as a raw material for the production of records, and today it is seen in products such as adhesive nylon, coating for electrical cables, credit cards and more. Also, printing on PVC is very common. When you see a billboard for example, it is very possible that this is the material on which it is based. It has additional features that are very suitable for the printing market. In general, it is a good look of the prints, which is kept (along with the PVC layer itself) in good condition over time. This material is even used in the textile industry in some cases. The application of PVC in construction or parquets is very popular and not just for reasons of passing fashion, but thanks to a very attractive combination of properties. You should take this into account.

Summary

The PVC is a material with many uses and just as many advantages, and it is definitely recommended to consider it according to the product you wish to produce. If you would like to receive more information, start to initiate processes and of course receive the help of professionals – contact ” Yashor Plastic Industries ” and we will be happy to help.