Everything You Need To Know About PVC Plastic

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most commonly used thermoplastic polymers worldwide (after several more widely used plastics such as PET and P.P.). It is a naturally white and very brittle (before plasticizers are added) plastic. PVC has a longer history than most plastics, being first synthesized in 1872 and commercially produced by the B.F. Goodrich Company in the 1920s. In contrast, many other common plastics were first synthesized and commercially viable only in the 1940s and 50s. Most commonly used in the construction industry, it is also used in signage, healthcare applications and as a fiber for clothing. PVC was discovered by accident twice, once in 1832 by French chemist Henri Victor Regnault, and then rediscovered in 1872 by a German named Eugene Baumann.

Basic form and function of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
PVC is produced in two general forms: a rigid or unplasticized polymer (RPVC or uPVC) and a flexible plastic. In its basic form, PVC is characterized by its rigid yet brittle structure. While plasticized versions have a variety of uses across multiple industries, rigid PVC also has its uses. Industries such as plumbing, wastewater treatment and agriculture can use rigid PVC for many functions.


Flexible, plasticized or plain PVC is softer and more bendable than uPVC due to the addition of plasticizers such as phthalates such as diisononyl phthalate or DINP. Flexible PVC is commonly used in construction as insulation for electrical wires, or in flooring in homes, hospitals, schools and other areas where a sterile environment is a priority. In some cases, PVC can be an effective substitute for rubber. Rigid PVC is also used as piping for pipes and siding and is commonly referred to as "vinyl" in the US. Pvc Pipe is often referred to by its "schedule" . Notable differences between schedules include wall thickness, pressure rating, and color, among others.