What is PVC, and what is its effect on the human body

What is PVC? This material is polyvinyl chloride. It belongs to the group of thermoplastics - plastic, which, after the molding process of the product, retains its ability to be recycled. The pure PVC material is 43 percent ethylene. The remaining 57 percent is bound chlorine.

PVC material - what is it? Polyvinyl chloride is released in the form of a powder and is used in many branches of the economy. The most famous product, in the production of which this material is used, are metal-plastic windows. To produce window profiles in powdered polyvinyl chloride, special pigments, stabilizers, modifiers and many other auxiliary additives are added. Thanks to them, the product becomes almost invulnerable to direct sunlight, temperature changes and other environmental factors.

What is PVC? Physical features

The main feature of PVC material is strength. By its properties, polyvinyl chloride is practically not subjected to deformations and other mechanical stresses. The very strength of this material depends on the structure of macromolecules, as well as on the structure of the polymer.

PVC material - what is it? Characteristic

This substance is characterized as a non-flammable thermoplastic material that can be easily machined on conventional machines and easily welded with hot air at a temperature of 200-300 degrees Celsius. In addition, it can be glued to various types of glue (often a perchlorovinyl resin based). Moreover, this material can be glued to wooden, concrete and metal products. PVC is not afraid of the impact of many types of acids, as well as aliphatic, chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons. The strength of glue and welded joints is about 85-90 percent of the strength of the material itself.

Due to its high strength for elasticity and bending, polyvinylchloride is widely used among fishermen who, by handicraft, make the upper parts of the spinnings, as well as winter fishing rods. As practice shows, such products do not lose their properties even at minus 45 degrees Celsius.

Dielectric properties

Listing the properties of PVC, it is also necessary to note the fact that polyvinyl chloride is a good dielectric (does not conduct an electric current through itself). However, when heated to a temperature of 85 or more degrees Celsius, this material quickly loses these properties. With regard to weight, the density of PVC is heavier than polyethylene, but it is easier than fluoroplastic and phenol-formaldehyde plastic.

High fire resistance of PVC is achieved through the use in its production of a component such as chlorine. It reduces the risk of flammability of rigid PVC.

Chemical properties

As we noted earlier, PVC is practically immune to the effects of certain types of acids. This is true - polyvinyl chloride does not change its properties under the action of alkalis, gasoline, kerosene, solutions of salts and metals. Also up to 60 degrees Celsius this material is resistant to hydrochloric and formic acid. PVC is resistant to oxidation and the effects of glycerin, fats and glycols. As for alcohols, polyvinyl chloride does not dissolve in ethyl and methyl alcohols, higher alcohol, and also lubricating and vegetable oils. It is also not vulnerable to the effects of acidic sewage.

Where is it applied?

What is PVC, we have already found out, now let's talk about the sectors in which this material is used. Polyvinyl chloride has found wide application in the production of flexible plastic sheets (for wall finishing and flooring), film, protective gloves and many other materials and products. From rigid unplasticized polyvinylchloride pipes are made, invulnerable to corrosion, as well as some parts of doors and windows. In the field of electrical engineering, this material serves to insulate the wires. They also make toys, stationery and sporting goods from it. Polyvinyl chloride fibers are used for the production of fishing nets, medical linen, knitwear and various filtering technical fabrics. As you can see, PVC is used in almost all branches of industry and everyday life.

Characteristics of PVC products

In the Russian market, one can often find such goods made of polyvinyl chloride:

1. Floor covering (in other words - linoleum).
2. Film.
3. PVC panels.

Below we briefly review each of these types of products listed above.

What is PVC coating? This is the surface in which special PVC-tiles intended for laying the floor were used. They can have both a simple square and a complex shape.

PVC film - what is it? In its properties, it is a highly translucent, flexible and slightly stretch material. Like all other products, it is resistant to alcohols and acids, but it has a unique ability to pass oxygen. That is why the packaging, packed in this film, does not lose its presentation for a long time.

What are PVC panels? This material is used for finishing ceilings and walls in various rooms. Often used for wall covering in the kitchen and bathroom.

How does polyvinyl chloride affect the human body?

Vinyl chloride itself is characterized as a very strong poison, burning toxic substances. On humans, this substance has a teratogenic, carcinogenic and mutagenic effect. As a result of numerous studies, scientists have proved that the effect of PVC on humans causes cancer in various organs and tissues (including the brain, lungs and liver), and also disrupts the lymphatic and hematopoietic system. With constant action in high concentrations, vinyl chloride can cause even paralysis of the nervous system until the breath stops completely. However, modern manufacturers have taken into account all these properties and therefore produce PVC by a special technology. Modern products made of polyvinyl chloride (if they are of high quality) do not have such a terrible effect on a person. Therefore, in order not to risk your health, when buying PVC products, you should trust only well-known world producers.

So, we found out what PVC is, and what impact it has on the human body.