Polyvinyl Chloride

Description of PVC

Polyvinylchloride has a wide range of durometers from rigid to flexible. Plextrusions can design and develop a Vinyl profile to your specifications. Usage of PVC has increased since the early 1930s and is used in films, extruded pipe and mouldings. It is very resistant to water based solutions, but can be degraded by solvents like ketones, esters and chlorinated solvents.

ADVANTAGES:		DISADVANTAGES:
Non-flammable Dimensional stability Relatively low cost Processed using thermoplastic techniques Plastisol processing possible Excellent weather resistance		Limited thermal range Thermal decomposition crates Hydrogen Chloride Sulphur compounds can cause staining Degraded by several types of solvents Higher density

How is Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride made?

Polyvinyl Chloride

Answer: Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a versatile thermoplastic made by modifying rigid PVC through the addition of plasticizers, creating a softer, more pliable material. The production process involves several steps, starting with the creation of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and culminating in the compounding of flexible PVC.

First, VCM is produced via the chlorination of ethylene. Ethylene, derived from petroleum or natural gas, is reacted with chlorine at high temperatures (400–500°C) to form ethylene dichloride (EDC). EDC is then cracked at 500°C to produce VCM and hydrochloric acid as a byproduct. The VCM is purified for polymerization.

Rigid Vinyl (RPVC, Polyvinyl Chloride) at Plextrusions

Polyvinyl Chloride

This material is best for applications in moderate climates.
It offers durability, chemical resistance, and impact stability.

Rigid Vinyl is commonly used for extruded parts within these industries:

Appliance
Automotive
Construction
Consumer Goods
Electrical
Housewares
HVAC
Industrial
Lawn & Garden
Marine/Watercraft
Plumbing
Recreational
RV & Manufactured Housing
Telecommunications

Flexible Vinyl (FPVC, Polyvinyl Chloride)

Polyvinyl Chloride

This material is best for applications in moderate climates.
It offers durability, corrosion resistance, and specific degrees of hardness and flexibility.

Flexible Vinyl is commonly used for extruded parts within these industries:

Appliance
Automotive
Construction
Consumer Goods
Electrical
Household
HVAC
Industrial
Lawn & Garden
Marine & Watercraft
Recreational
Residential
RV & Manufactured Housing
Outdoor applications
Telecommunications

Semi Rigid PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride

This material is best for applications for moderate heat and cold resistance.
It offers impact strength, pleasing aesthetics, and a wide range of properties.

Semi Rigid PVC is commonly used for extruded parts within these industries:

Consumer Goods
Exterior Applications
Food and Drug Industry Containers
Housewares
Industrial
Interior Applications
Lawn & Garden
Refrigeration and Appliance
Residential

Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride at Plextrusions (RPVC)

Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride at Plextrusions (FPVC)

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride at Plextrusions (CPVC)

Information

At Plextrusions, Inc., we offer a variety of capabilities for your professional plastic extrusion needs. While specializing in extruding a wide range of flexible and rigid PVC profiles, we offer extrusion for many different plastics.

We own our own manufacturing facility located in North Ridgeville, Ohio – just outside of Cleveland, only 25 minutes from Cleveland Hopkins Airport.