The many uses of PVC

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a biologically and chemically resistant material which makes it ideal for use in products which are likely to be exposed to strong weather conditions or corrosive liquids, for example. It is a widely used today in many different industry sectors owing to its low cost, versatility, durability and ability to be worked easily into many different shapes. As an added advantage, PVC is seeing growing acceptance within the green lobby owing to its recyclability. Here are some of its current major industry applications:

Pipes: Pipes are probably the major application for PVC today. PVC pipes can be used for water distribution or for sewers, and their light weight, high strength and low reactivity also make them ideal for municipal applications. When they are fused together using chemicals or heat fused they are almost entirely leak-proof. Furthermore, they are not brittle so will not crack under pressure.

Signs and Banners: An increasing number of companies are recognising the benefits of using PVC banners to advertise their products and services. PVC banners, in the form of vinyl-backed films or flat sheets, are an inexpensive option which can be placed wherever the user wishes to advertise their goods. These are ideal for outdoor use as they are waterproof and durable, making them a long-lasting and cost-effective option. They can also be printed using inkjet printers using a wide range of solvent inks and ultraviolet-curable inks so they won’t fade in the sunlight either.

 Wires: PVC is also widely used as insulation material for electric wires. One reason for this is its ability to bend without breaking, which contributes to the safety aspect. Furthermore, some forms of PVC-coated wires can even act as fire-retardants.

General Construction: In addition to the pipes mentioned about, PVC’s corrosion resistance also makes it a highly desirable material for construction applications such as window frames and water butts. It is also increasingly used in the interior of the house for ceiling tiles, as PVC tiles are light, strong, relatively cheap, provide good insulation and are easy to install.

Medical Use: The pharmaceutical industry has not been slow to harness the potential of PVC either. It is biocompatible with blood or bodily tissues, meaning it can be used for flood bags or intravenous containers in hospitals. Another benefit of PVC products from a healthcare perspective is that their composition means they can easily be heat-treated or sterilised to make them safe for patient care.

Textiles: PVC has also been taken up by the fashion world, in some cases as a low-cost alternative to leather, latex or rubber. In other cases it is used simply because of the striking effect it produces if manufactured in bright colours, making it perfect for fancy dress or to create a unique costume for a stage performer.

The use of PVC for a huge range of industry applications continues to grow. This highly versatile and durable material can be used for construction, advertising, healthcare or even textiles – the list goes on.