As it has been mentioned in other chapters, PVC is widely used in lot of markets and applications.
Here you will find information about commercial products. We have classified these products according the following list:
a. General f. Films & Foils
b. Building Profiles g. Automotive
c. Pipes & Fittings h. Medical
d. Flooring & Wall paper i. Packaging
e. Cables & Wires j. Sports & Leisure
a. General
1. What are the main markets in PVC?
b. Building Profiles
2. What is the PVC profiles product range?
3. What is the impact strength of PVC window frames?
4. Is there a regulation concerning the mechanical properties of PVC window frames?
5. Are windows CE marked?
6. Is it possible to use PVC profiles to make windows in very cold countries?
7. Is it possible to use PVC profiles to make windows in Phoenix (Arizona - USA)?
c. Pipes & Fittings
8. What is the range of application of PVC pipes?
9. What is the life expectancy of PVC pipe? (see § 3)
10. Which effect does exposure to ultraviolet radiation have on plastic pipes? (see § 3)
11. What’s the chemical resistance on PVC pipes?
12. Does chlorinated drinking water affect PVC pipes?
13. How do PVC pipes behave at sub-zero temperatures?
14. How do PVC pipes perform in fire?
15. Do we have a high safety for drinking water conveyed in PVC pipes (migration and bacterial growth)?
16. What are the main advantages of installing PVC pipes compared with other solutions?
d. Flooring & Wall paper
17. Why is PVC used in floorings?
18. What are the advantages of PVC in flooring?
19. Why using PVC flooring?
20. Are PVC floorings durable?
21. Why is PVC used in wallpapers?
e. Cables & Wires
22. Are there advantages of using PVC in cables and wires?
f. Films & Foils
23. Where are PVC foils used?
24. Do the PVC membranes have a good weatherability?
g. Automotive
25. Where do I find PVC in a car?
26. Are there PVC cables in the car?
27. Does PVC have a characteristic smell?
28. Are PVC foils used on trucks?
29. Are PVC foils used on busses?
h. Medical
30. What are the reasons for using PVC in medical?
i. Packaging
31. What are the reasons for using PVC in packaging?
32. Why is PVC film a good recommendation for sensitive electronic goods?
33. Are some of the ingredients used to make PVC packaging materials such as cling film carcinogenic?
j. Sports & Leisure
34. Where is PVC used for sports or leisure?
35. Is PVC used in gardens?
36. Is PVC used in articles for travelling?
37. Is PVC used in camping?
38. Is PVC used for indoor sport and leisure activities?
39. Is PVC used in toys?
40. Is PVC present in the cinemas?
41. Is PVC used in inflatable goods?
a. General
Interesting links:
www.solvinpvc.com/markets/0,,3136-2-0,00.htm
www.institutodopvc.org/publico/?lang=2
www.lenntech.com/Polyvinyl-Chloride-PVC.htm
1. What are the main markets in PVC?
The PVC is mainly used in Building & Construction sector (67%). The major applications are Profiles (29%) and Pipes&Fittings (26%).
b. Building profiles
Interesting links:
http://www.archiexpo.com/architecture-design-manufacturer/pvc-window-391.html
http://www.asoven.com
http://www.vinylbydesign.com/site/new_index.asp
2. What is the PVC profiles product range?
It is really wide. We can underline:
- Windows and doors.
- Electric conduction and protection systems.
- Fences.
- Shutters.
- Siding.
- Furniture.
- Decking.
- Ceiling.
- Electrical conduits.
- In plasticized PVC, gaskets for window profiles.
- etc…
Among the above mentioned products, we emphasize windows and doors, because this application gathers all the advantages of PVC profiles.
3. What is the impact strength of PVC window frames?
Based on a long time experience (more than 40 years), we can say that PVC window frames don’t brake when they are submitted to normal use.
4. Is there a regulation concerning the mechanical properties of PVC window frames?
The standard EN 12608 gives the mechanical properties needed for the window profiles.
5. Are windows CE marked?
The harmonized product standard prEN 14351-1 : 2005-09 for windows and pedestrian doorsets has been adopted in 2006 by the CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) after many years of work. Since 1st February 2007, it is possible to obtain CE marking for windows and external doors.
6. Is it possible to use PVC profiles to make windows in very cold countries?
PVC windows can be installed in practically all climates. In regions where a very cold climate can occur (Canada, Russia,…) it is advisable to have a good quality impact modifier in the formulation but these additives are quite common even in mild climates. In Canada for instance, PVC windows have been used for some decades.
7. Is it possible to use PVC profiles to make windows in Phoenix (Arizona - USA)?
PVC windows can be installed in practically all climates. In very sunny regions it is necessary to adapt the level of anti-UV pigment (TiO2).
c. Pipes & Fittings
Interesting link:
http://www.pvc4pipes.org/
8. What is the range of application of PVC pipes?
PVC pipes are the most widely used among plastic pipes.
The range of applications is very broad: from evacuation pipes, to drinking water pipes and many others (pressures up to 25 atm), you can find a huge range of commercial pipes.
Sewage pipe is an application in which PVC is the preferred product because of the water tightness of the entire network.
The consumption of PVC in plastic pipes in Europe and USA represents in 2006 more than 4.4 millions of metric tonnes.
9. What is the life expectancy of PVC pipe? (see § 3)
The durability of rigid PVC pipes is related, as it is for all other thermoplastics materials, to the chemical degradation of the polymer of the pipes. However unlike other thermoplastic pipes, rigid PVC pipes do not oxidise.
Stabilisers are used in rigid PVC pipes to prevent degradation of the polymer during the extrusion process, and eventual storage of the pipes before they are placed in the ground. However, when the pipes are buried in the ground, no chemical degradation is expected to take place. For this reason the durability of the rigid PVC material in buried pipes is expected to be very long (May even be more than 1000 years¹).
In standardised pipes for potable water (EN 1452) the expected lifetime of rigid PVC pipes under pressure is extrapolated based on hoop stress testing of pipes for up to 20 000 hours. This then allows an estimation of the durability by extrapolation to a life expectancy under pressure of 50 to100 years².
Real experience in Germany³ has shown that buried rigid PVC pressure pipes dug up after 60 years of active use were proven to be fit for purpose when analysed and likely to have a further life expectancy of 50 years.
"Studies in the Netherlands have examined several potential degradation processes for rigid PVC pipes and carried out tests on pipes up to 45 years old. These studies also concluded that the life of rigid PVC drinking water systems could exceed 100 years."4
Dutch research confirms that PVC pressure water pipes could last more than 100 years.5
1. Janson, Lars Eric 1996 "Plastics Pipes - How long can they last? KP Council Nov. 1996
2. EN-ISO 9080.
3. 60 Jahre Erfahrungen mit Rohrleitungen aus Weichmachfreiem PVC, 1995, KRV
4. 'Long Term Performance of Existing PVC Water Distribution Systems' by A. Boersma and J Breen, 9th International PVC Conference, Brighton, 26-28th April 2005, pp 307-315.
5. Please find more on the TEPPFA newsletter: http://www.teppfa.org/Newsletter/30JUN-UPDATE.pdf
10. Which effect does exposure to ultraviolet radiation have on plastic pipes? (see § 3)
Prolonged exposure of PVC pipes to direct sunlight may cause a thin film of degradation on the exposed surface of the pipe over time. This microscopic layer, with a thickness of about 0.05 mm, will gradually become visible as discolouration (so called bleaching) and it stops once the surface exposure ceases¹.
Experience has shown that this microscopic layer protects the underlying material from ultra-violet light ensuring that the rest of the pipe wall is unaffected by the sunlight 1. If you make a gentle scratch on the outer pipe surface you will see that the normal colour is visible just under this very thin layer.
Extensive tests carried out on pipes exposed to sunlight over a period of up to 4 years demonstrate that there is a slight increase in tensile strength and modulus of elasticity and a minor decrease in impact strength. In practical terms the overall pipe properties are virtually unchanged, and pipes affected by this phenomenon may be used for normal installation.
1 BPF Plastics Pipes Group 2002 "PVC Pipe Systems for Water Supply" Version 01/02 (Revised)
11. What’s the chemical resistance on PVC pipes?
See chapter 3 “Properties”.
12. Does chlorinated drinking water affect PVC pipes?
Across Europe, with some exceptions like the Netherlands and Denmark where ground water is exclusively used, chlorination of drinking water is a common way of avoiding the presence of pathogen bacteria and to ensure that EU member states conform to the EU drinking water directive.
Although chlorine can affect the taste and odour of water, this has long been considered as the best way to provide safe water at the tap.
The concentrations used in Europe are calculated so that the remaining chlorine at the tap is in the order of 0.1mg/l.
Even at levels of 1mg/l, as used in several countries, there is virtually no interaction with the PVC piping system:
• The "chlorine demand" of the material is nihil
• The chemical interaction with PVC is so low that the piping systems can withstand hundreds of years in such conditions (even at temperatures higher than 20°C which is the normal maximum "drinking water" temperature)
13. How do PVC pipes behave at sub-zero temperatures?
The European standards for drinking water (EN1452) or on sewage pipes (EN1401) require a high impact resistance on PVC pipes at 0°C. This requirement allows a safe handling and installation at temperatures a few degrees below 0°C. These pipes are intended to be buried and to convey water, so service temperatures far below 0°C are not relevant.
14. How do PVC pipes perform in fire?
PVC-U is inherently self-extinguishing and does not require any additional flame retardants to meet most flammability requirements.
Currently some EU-countries have material specific national "reaction to fire" classifications such as the French M1, German B1, Italian Class 1 and the UK Class 1.
Piping systems may have to withstand "resistance to fire" given in standards or regulations. In other cases there are no national requirements or regulations for the fire behaviour of piping systems in relation to their function within the building structure.
The introduction of the new European system of classification of the reaction to fire test of construction products is described in EN 13501-1 "Reaction to fire classification of construction products and building elements" which includes optional requirements for smoke and burning droplets.
The Euroclass system is based on different tests depending on the level of fire protection that is required of the end product in its intended application. PVC piping systems are generally classified as Euroclass B and burning droplets are not a concern for them.
15. Do we have a high safety for drinking water conveyed in PVC pipes (migration and bacterial growth)?
PVC is used all over the world for water distribution and is considered as one of the safest materials for the transport of drinking water.
Migration: Different methods are used to detect the migration of substances present in PVC formulations. First of all the leaching behaviour is assessed by prolonged direct contact of the potable water with the products in very severe conditions. Then the "migration water" is checked using different techniques, including searches for traces of molecules below the level of a few µg/l.
Virtually nothing leaches out: the leachates are very similar to the blanks used when analysing them with techniques like gas chromatography combined with mass spectroscopy (GCMS)
Lead is used less and less as a stabiliser and such stabilisers have never been a source of lead in drinking water, as the stabilisers are immobilised within the PVC pipe structure during the manufacturing process. The new stabilisers being used as alternatives to lead are fully assessed ("positive listing") and do not affect the drinking water characteristics in any way.
Microbial growth : PVC pipes are known to perform perfectly according to the different methods used in Europe for the assessment of microbial growth of products in contact with drinking water (Germany, United Kingdom and The Netherlands).¹
Many field studies confirm this good behaviour. This is linked to the absence of migration and the very good surface properties of these piping systems.
Taste and odour: Due to absence of migration and low bacterial growth in PVC, the organoleptic properties of PVC pipes are generally very good. This is also confirmed by regular testing in different European institutes.
1. KIWA test method
16. What are the main advantages of installing PVC pipes compared with other solutions?
As a result of the combination of the following characteristics, PVC is generally the most efficient, quick installing and cost-effective of all the spectrum of solutions for piping.
• Lightweight : PVC pipes are light and easy to handle (up to 6 m length), significantly reducing the need for mechanical support for placing and fixing the pipes together, leading to a cost efficient installation.
• Joints: PVC piping systems can be installed with different types of joints: solvent cement joints and push-fit joints. Across Europe , push-fit joints are usually preferred for municipal installations.
The use of push-fit joints is a very important characteristic as it not only assures a watertight, safe and durable union, but permits a fast and simple mounting, an important cost saving during installation, as it avoids using complex welding operations and costly investments in sophisticated equipment and specialised skills.
• Fittings and special operations: PVC pipe systems are normally completed with the widest range of fittings and ancillary products, allowing a modular installation and high quality of the full network. When finishing work has to be done by hand (For example making holes, installing saddles and cuts in the pipes), rigid PVC is easy to work with, and does not need complex tools or special expertise.
For further Questions and Answers see also: http://www.pvc4pipes.org/faq/faq.html.
d. Flooring & Wall paper
Interesting link:
http://www.ecvm.org/code/page.cfm?id_page=315
17. Why is PVC used in floorings?
In a lot of countries the good insulation (thermal and acoustical) properties of PVC are used to build flexible flooring.
There are uncounted designs of vinyl floorings on the market, coming from wood or ceramic design imitation to plain colors or artificial design. The surface may be smooth or structured like ceramics. Special surfaces avoid slipping when it is wet.
Vinyl flooring is on the market in a wide range of different constructions. The simplest construction is a monolayer of flexible vinyl. The so called cushion vinyl consists at least of a solid surface layer and foamed vinyl covering glass fiber fleece. Other constructions are made on polyester fleeces or special cellulose fiber fleeces. Very special floorings are made from woven PVC fibers.
Rigid PVC profiles – solid or foamed – as well as wood plastic composite of PVC may also be used like wood panels for the bottom.
18. What are the advantages of PVC in flooring?
The advantage of using PVC for floor coverings is that it can be used to produce a wide range of different designs (such as imitation parquet, tiles, marble etc.). These coverings are easy to lay and improve room comfort by helping to retain heat and reduce external noise. PVC flooring is easy to clean and long lasting. In case of a replacement it may be recycled to new PVC flooring. PVC flooring has an excellent eco balance.
19. Why using PVC flooring?
Aesthetic value is not the only advantage of soft PVC floors. The smooth, tough surface prevents dust and dirt from building up and microbes breeding. In sensitive areas such as hospitals the hygienic quality reduces disease and infections. In the home PVC floors in kitchens and bathrooms help to protect our health every day.
20. Are PVC floorings durable?
PVC floorings are usable for many years. For residential floorings some designs are offered with warranties for 10 years. For other objects the life time is even calculated higher.
21. Why is PVC used in wallpapers?
The top PVC layer allows the washing of the surface of the wallpaper. The smooth surface prevents dust and dirt from building up and microbes breeding. At home PVC wallpapers in kitchens and bathrooms help to protect our health every day.
e. Cables & Wires
22. Are there advantages of using PVC in cables and wires?
The main advantages of PVC in cables and wires compared to other materials in this application are:
- Excellent ratio properties/cost
- Transparent grades
- Possibility to recycle (see Vinyloop®)
- Flame retardancy
- Good resistivity and low dielectric constant
- Excellent outdoor ageing
- Chemical Resistance
- High flexibility at cold temperatures (easy to install)
- Wide range of applications (from automotive to home appliances)
f. Films & Foils
Interesting link:
http://archrecord.construction.com/resources/conteduc/article_pdf/0512duradek.pdf
23. Where are PVC foils used?
Foils are used mainly in waterproofing applications.
They are used in building and construction (roofs, swimming pools, etc…), Films & foils are also used in public works (tunnels, public buildings, airports, stadiums, pond liners, etc…).
24. Do the PVC membranes have a good weatherability?
PVC has a good intrinsic weatherability and it can be further improved by special additives (anti UV, pigments, …). The available experience shows that the lifetime is above 10 years.
g. Automotive
Interesting links:
http://www.pvcinfo.be/bestanden/JAMA%20April%202005.pdf
http://www.vinylinfo.org/infiniteuses/automotive/autobriefing.html
http://www.bpf.co.uk/site_results.cfm?search=automotive
25. Where do I find PVC in a car?
PVC may be used to protect the under side or the wheel houses of cars, to isolate cables or to glue some parts. You may find PVC in the interior as part of dashboards, consoles, door and side trim panels, seat upholstery and rear trim panels, headrests, luggage compartments covers, anti-slip covers, sun visors, roof liner and convertible top compartment covers and with several other parts.
26. Are there PVC cables in the car?
Cars contain a lot of cables. The isolation is often made from PVC.
27. Does PVC have a characteristic smell?
The interiors of cars are developed to avoid bothering odors or other emissions. PVC may be formulated to be within the best class of plastic materials and comply with the relevant standards.
28. Are PVC foils used on trucks?
There is a special application of fabrics, coated with PVC for trucks. Such flexible tarpaulins protect the load and enable to charge and empty the truck from both sides. Tarpaulins are made from plasticised PVC, which offers excellent protection against atmospheric agents and stains and is able to withstand adverse weather conditions
29. Are PVC foils used on busses?
Vinyl upholstery has a long history in busses. Another wide application is flooring. Special anti slip floorings made from PVC are used in busses to increase the safety of traveling.
h. Medical
Interesting Links:
http://www.ecvm.org
http://www.ecvm.org/code/search_a.cfm
http://www.touchbriefings.com/pdf/753/mdev02_p_cadogan.pdf
http://www.vinyl.org.au/inourlives/inhealthcare.cfm
30. What are the reasons for using PVC in medical?
The main strengths of PVC in medical applications are:
- Excellent biocompatibility and hemocompatibility
- Easy to sterilize
- Low raw material cost (introduction of disposables)
- Easy to process to realize complex parts (Containers, Tubings and moulding)
- High transparency
- Light weight for ambulatory therapy
i. Packaging
Interesting link:
http://www.ecvm.org/code/page.cfm?id_page=250
31. What are the reasons for using PVC in packaging?
The main strengths of PVC in packaging are:
- PVC is a very unique film material with a broad range of processing and product possibilities
o Printability
o Thermo-formability
o Seal-ability
o Scratch sensitivity
o Low process energy
o Adhesive properties
o Antistatic properties
o Fold-ability
- PVC show more and more a cost advantage compared to other polymers for the classical calendering film application
- PVC films don’t give any disadvantage for the consumer waste situation (modern incineration plants are well adapted to wastes containing chlorinated compounds)
- PVC cling and stretch films with the recommended plasticizer choice are a very good solution for food and technical packaging
32. Why is PVC film a good recommendation for sensitive electronic goods?
PVC gives less electrostatic charging and the behaviour can be improved with additional carbon black.
33. Are some of the ingredients used to make PVC packaging materials such as cling film carcinogenic?
See chapter 1 “Health, Safety & Environmental issues”.
j. Sport & Leisure
34. Where is PVC used for sports or leisure?
PVC is a very versatile material. So you find it in a variety of articles used in sports and leisure. You may use PVC for as flooring in your sports or gym hall, as part of the swimming pool, in your sport shoes, in your fisher boots, in your sailing cloth, as canvas of your boat or even as skin of your pneumatic boat.
35. Is PVC used in gardens?
PVC is used to build fences. There are PVC covered wires and netting wires as well as Wood Polymer Composites (WPC) deckings with PVC. The pool may have a liner to avoid that the water seeps into the ground. Some garden furniture is made with PVC. PVC coated gloves protect your hands when you plant or cut roses. To water roses you may use garden hoses from PVC. Flexible PVC is known for its suppleness, excellent transparency, ability to withstand adverse weather conditions and resistance to low temperatures.
36. Is PVC used in articles for travelling?
Luggage frames from rigid PVC, handles from rigid or plasticised PVC and flexible artificial leather or coated fabrics with PVC can be used for luggage manufacturing. And if you have to pay, you can use a PVC bank or credit card.
37. Is PVC used in camping?
PVC coated fabrics are the preferred choice for tents. Transparent PVC films can be used as tent windows. Rain clothes from PVC protect you against bad weather and PVC coated sun visors can spend you shadow by sun shine. Inflatable armchairs improve the comfort.
38. Is PVC used for indoor sport and leisure activities?
You find a lot of sport and gym halls, which are constructed with an air overpressure to assist the construction. This is a favorite use of PVC coated tarpaulins. The floors can also be made from PVC.
39. Is PVC used in toys?
Plasticised PVC is often used in the manufacture of children's toys, such as buckets and spades, 'rubber' rings, building blocks, dolls and cars. It is particularly valued for its non-toxicity, softness, good mechanical properties and the wide range of different shapes and colors.
Balls are easily fabricated from PVC plastisols. PVC balls are easily to print on to achieve various attractive designs.
40. Is PVC present in the cinemas?
The old time linen screen of the old black white films in the cinema are of the past. Nowadays PVC coated fabrics strengthen the brightness of colors to enjoy modern films. Similar screen are also used for TV projections.
41. Is PVC used in inflatable goods?
PVC is a favorite material for inflatable goods. From small bath mattresses and swimming rings up to jumping castles for younger children, you find PVC coated materials. It exist also an inflatable church and an inflatable pub!
Disclaimer
[Health, Safety & Environmental issues] [Manufacturing of PVC resin]
[Properties] [Processing] [Additivves] [Applications and markets]
[PVC compared to other materials] [End of life / Recycling]
