Construction
Pipes and Fittings
PVC pipes are the go - to choice for water supply, drainage, and sewer systems. Their smooth interior surface minimizes friction, ensuring efficient water flow. Their lightweight nature simplifies installation, and excellent corrosion resistance guarantees a long lifespan. PVC fittings like elbows, tees, and couplings are essential for creating complex plumbing networks.
Window and Door Frames
Rigid PVC is widely used in manufacturing window and door frames. It offers outstanding insulation, maintaining indoor temperatures. Resistant to weathering, including UV rays, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, PVC frames don't rot, rust, or warp like traditional materials, requiring minimal upkeep.
Siding and Roofing
PVC siding provides an appealing and durable finish for building exteriors, often mimicking the look of wood or stone. PVC roofing membranes, flexible and waterproof, are suitable for flat and low - slope roofs, resisting tearing and providing reliable protection.
Automotive
Interior Components
Flexible PVC is extensively used in automotive interiors. It is used to make seat covers, door panels, and dashboard covers. PVC is easy to clean, resistant to stains, and can be made in a variety of colors and textures to match the vehicle's interior design. It also provides some level of cushioning, enhancing the comfort of the passengers.
Hoses and Tubing
PVC hoses are used in the automotive cooling system to transfer coolant between the engine and the radiator. They need to be flexible to fit around the engine components and withstand the high temperatures and pressures in the cooling system. PVC tubing is also used for fuel lines, air ducts, and brake lines in some vehicles.
Packaging
Blister Packaging
PVC is commonly used for blister packaging. It can be thermoformed into various shapes to hold products such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food items. The transparency of PVC allows the product to be visible, which is an advantage for marketing purposes. PVC blister packs are also lightweight and provide good protection for the products inside.
Plastic Films
PVC films are used in packaging applications such as shrink wrapping. When heat is applied, the PVC film shrinks tightly around the product, providing a secure and attractive packaging solution. PVC films can also be laminated with other materials to enhance their barrier properties, such as moisture resistance.
Healthcare
Medical Devices
PVC is used to make a variety of medical devices. For example, intravenous (IV) bags and tubing are often made of PVC. PVC is biocompatible, which means it does not cause an adverse reaction in the human body when in contact with body fluids. It is also easy to sterilize, which is essential for medical applications. However, in recent years, there has been some concern about the use of PVC in medical devices due to the potential release of certain additives, such as phthalates, which are being studied.
Electrical
Cable Insulation
PVC is widely used as an insulator for electrical cables. It prevents the leakage of electric current, protecting both the cable and users from electrical hazards. Its thermal stability allows it to withstand the heat generated by the flow of electricity, ensuring safe and reliable operation.
Textiles
Coated Fabrics
PVC - coated fabrics are used in various applications. In the tent and awning industry, they provide waterproofing and durability. In upholstery, PVC - coated fabrics are easy to clean and maintain, often used in outdoor furniture or in high - traffic areas where stain resistance is crucial.