The Industrial Uses of Polyvinyl Chloride
A versatile type of thermoplastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is widely used for many industrial applications. It also has a number of uses in domestic and consumer situations where it is often made into products such as shower curtains or food containers. The plastic is often chosen ahead of other thermoplastics, such as polyethylene, polystyrene and polypropylene because it offers low levels of degradation over time. Since PVC is waterproof, too, it can be used both indoors and outside. In what ways is this adaptable plastic utilised in industrial settings these days?
Access Solutions
In many factories and warehouses, easy access is preferable as components and stock need to be moved around rapidly. In situations where a storage yard is in constant use outside but where operations take place within an adjoining building, PVC strip curtains are frequently installed. These curtains allow both people and vehicles to pass from the outside to the inside and vice versa with ease. Crucially, however, they also help to prevent heat losses by forming a semi-permanent doorway when the strips hang down together. Because PVC is durable and resists water ingress, it is ideal for this sort of industrial application.
Construction Materials
PVC doors have long been used in the construction of both dwellings and offices. In addition, PVC is often the preferred material of window manufacturing companies because it can be extruded with exactly the sort of profile that is needed to hold multiple panes of glass securely. In addition, PVC is frequently used by construction firms to provide pipes. Both water pipes and waste pipes can be made from PVC quite easily. What's more, it is easy to cut to the desired length on site despite being impact resistant.
Electrical Products
Although PVC can be used for a casing that will be used for an electrical product, it is much more likely that the materials will be used to sheath cables inside instead. As well as providing a protective layer around wires, PVC's durability in changing temperatures and weather conditions means that it is often installed around exterior wiring work, such as for street lighting applications, for example.
Healthcare Applications
PVC has many properties which make it attractive in healthcare situations, not least because it does not convey germs easily. For this reason, PVC is a preferred plastic that is used to store blood in banks around the world. Another common healthcare application it is used for is to hold the fluids within IV drips.
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