Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride

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Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride at Plextrusions (FPVC)

PVCFlexible PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a versatile form of PVC that is distinguished by its pliability, a result of the addition of plasticizers during the manufacturing process. This flexibility expands its range of applications, making it ideal for products where a softer and more bendable material is required. Common uses of flexible PVC include tubing, hoses, electrical cable insulation, inflatable products, and various types of clothing. It's also used in flooring and roofing materials due to its durability and resistance to environmental factors like water, chemicals, and UV light. Flexible PVC offers a unique combination of properties such as low cost, ease of processing, and excellent resistance to abrasion and impact, which makes it a popular choice in both consumer and industrial applications. However, environmental and health concerns related to the use of certain plasticizers in flexible PVC have led to increased regulation and the development of alternative plasticizers to make this material safer and more sustainable.

What are the consumer uses of Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride?

Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride at Plextrusions (FPVC)

Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is widely used in consumer products due to its durability, flexibility, resistance to moisture, and affordability. Here are some common consumer applications:

  1. Plumbing and Water Hoses: Flexible PVC is often used in garden hoses, water supply hoses, and other plumbing materials because it is resistant to water, chemicals, and pressure.

  2. Flooring: It’s popular in vinyl flooring due to its durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to moisture, making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas.

  3. Clothing and Fashion Accessories: Flexible PVC is used in raincoats, waterproof boots, handbags, and other accessories because it is waterproof and can be manufactured in various colors and finishes.

  4. Toys: Many children's toys, including balls, inflatable toys, and some soft dolls, use flexible PVC for its pliable and safe-to-handle qualities.

  5. Medical Tubing and Equipment: In the healthcare industry, flexible PVC is commonly used for tubing, IV bags, and other medical devices due to its flexibility, sterilizability, and biocompatibility.

What is the history of Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride?

Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride at Plextrusions (FPVC)
Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), often referred to simply as "flexible PVC," is a versatile and widely used plastic material. Its history can be traced back to the early 20th century. Here's an overview of its development and evolution:

Early Discoveries and Development

1. Invention of PVC:
- 1872: Polyvinyl chloride was first discovered by German chemist Eugen Baumann. He observed a white solid inside a flask of vinyl chloride that had been exposed to sunlight.
- 1913: Friedrich Heinrich August Klatte, another German chemist, patented a method for polymerizing vinyl chloride, which laid the groundwork for producing PVC.

2. Early Challenges:
- Initially, PVC was not widely used because it was difficult to process and had poor thermal stability. The material was hard and brittle, limiting its applications.

Industrial uses for Flexible PVC

Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride at Plextrusions (FPVC)

Flexible PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a versatile material that, due to its plasticized modification, offers a range of properties like flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance. This makes it suitable for various industrial applications. Here are some of the key industrial uses for flexible PVC:

  1. Tubing and Hoses: Flexible PVC is widely used in the production of tubing and hoses for various applications, including garden hoses, hydraulic hoses, and medical tubing. Its flexibility and chemical resistance make it ideal for transporting liquids and gases.

  2. Electrical Cable Insulation: Due to its excellent electrical insulation properties, flexible PVC is commonly used in electrical cable and wire insulation. It protects against electrical hazards and enhances the durability of the cables.

  3. Automotive Parts: In the automotive industry, flexible PVC is used for making interior trims, seals, gaskets, and protective sheathing for wires due to its durability and resistance to wear and tear.

  4. Medical Devices: Flexible PVC is used in a range of medical devices, including blood bags, IV bags, and tubing. Its flexibility, biocompatibility, and ability to be sterilized make it suitable for these sensitive applications.

  5. Flooring and Wall Coverings: Due to its durability and ease of maintenance, flexible PVC is used in industrial and commercial flooring, as well as in wall coverings.

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. 

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