tickADDED TO MY FAVORITES!
binREMOVED FROM MY FAVORITES!

My Favorites

Favorites Icon

Share

LinkedIn Icon
X Twitter Icon
Facebook Icon
Email Icon
Polymer Structure

Properties and Overview of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Overview:

Image of PVC or Application PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is one of the world's most widely used thermoplastic polymers, known for its durability, versatility, and affordability. Its ability to be formulated into rigid and flexible forms makes PVC a staple material in construction, healthcare, automotive, and consumer goods. PVC's chemical resistance, ease of processing, and long service life enhance its appeal for diverse applications.


Production:

The production of PVC involves the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers (VCM) through processes such as suspension, emulsion, or bulk polymerization. The resulting polymer is a white, brittle solid that can be modified with plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, and other additives to tailor its properties for specific uses. Rigid PVC, often called uPVC (unplasticized PVC), is used for durable and structural applications, while flexible PVC, made by adding plasticizers, is used for softer, more pliable products. PVC is processed through techniques such as extrusion, injection molding, and calendaring, allowing for creating a wide variety of products.


Applications:

PVC's applications are extensive due to its adaptability and cost-effectiveness. In the construction industry, rigid PVC is used for pipes, fittings, window frames, and roofing materials, where its durability and weather resistance ensure long-lasting performance. In healthcare, flexible PVC is employed for medical tubing, blood bags, and IV containers, benefiting from its flexibility, transparency, and biocompatibility. The automotive industry uses PVC for interior trims, cable insulation, and underbody coatings, where its resistance to wear and chemicals is critical. PVC is found in consumer goods flooring, packaging, and synthetic leather products, demonstrating its versatility across everyday applications. Additionally, PVC is used in electrical insulation, signage, and protective coatings due to its excellent dielectric properties and moisture and UV exposure resistance.


Summary:

Polyvinyl Chloride is a highly versatile and widely used polymer with a unique combination of durability, affordability, and adaptability. Its ability to meet the needs of a broad range of industries ensures its continued importance in modern manufacturing and construction. As innovation drives improvements in PVC formulations and recycling technologies, the material remains a critical solution for addressing industrial challenges while supporting sustainability. Its widespread applications and long-standing reliability solidify PVC's role as a cornerstone polymer in global production and infrastructure.



See a comprehensive list of electrical, mechanical, physical and thermal properties for PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) below:



Electrical Properties of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Electrical Property (Units) Value
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Dielectric Constant at 'Standard Temperature and Pressure' 3.0 to 4.0
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Electrical Breakdown Voltage at Atmospheric Pressure (kV/mm) ~15 to 40
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Electrical Conductivity (S/m) 1.00E-16 to 1.00E-13
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Electrical Resistivity at Room Temperature (25°C) (Ω·m) 1.00E+13 to 1.00E+16
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Magnetic Property N/A
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Superconducting Transition Temperature (K) N/A
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (°C⁻¹) Unknown

Unfamiliar with a property? Click it's description to be given a full definition in the GLOSSARY

See properties and overview for
ALLOYS and CHEMICAL ELEMENTS
popular in engineering

Require different units not displayed?
CONVERT VARIOUS UNITS HERE

Mechanical Properties of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Mechanical Property (Units) Value
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Compressive Strength (MPa) 50 to 70
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Ductile to Brittle Transition Temperature (°C) ~0
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Fatigue Limit (MPa) 20 to 30
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Fracture Toughness (MPa·√m) 2.0 to 4.0
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Hardness Brinell ~10
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Hardness Rockwell 40 to 60 HRR
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Hardness Vickers ~10
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) 70 to 80
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Modulus of Elasticity / Young's Modulus (GPa) 2.0 to 3.0
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Percent Elongation (%) 10 to 50
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Poissons Ratio 0.35 to 0.4
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Shear Modulus (GPa) ~1.0
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Shear Strength (MPa) 20 to 30
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa) 40 to 70
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Yield Strength (MPa) 30 to 60

Unfamiliar with a property? Click it's description to be given a full definition in the GLOSSARY

See properties and overview for
ALLOYS and CHEMICAL ELEMENTS
popular in engineering

Require different units not displayed?
CONVERT VARIOUS UNITS HERE

Physical Properties of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Physical Property (Units) Value
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Boiling Point at Atmospheric Pressure (°C) Decomposes
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Chemical Composition (Element %) (C2H3Cl)n
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Cost ($/kg) 1 to 3
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Density at 'Standard Temperature and Pressure' (kg/m3) 1300 to 1580
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Glass Transition Temperature at Atmospheric Pressure (°C) 60 to 80
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Melting Point at Atmospheric Pressure (°C) 160 to 210
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Polymer Family Thermoplastic
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Refractive Index 1.54 to 1.55
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Specific Gravity 1.30 to 1.58
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Viscosity at Melting Point (mPa·s) Unknown

Unfamiliar with a property? Click it's description to be given a full definition in the GLOSSARY

See properties and overview for
ALLOYS and CHEMICAL ELEMENTS
popular in engineering

Require different units not displayed?
CONVERT VARIOUS UNITS HERE

Thermal Properties of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Thermal Property (Units) Value
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (µm/m·K) 50 to 100
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Emissivity Coefficient ~0.9
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg·K) 800 to 1000
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Thermal Conductivity (W/m.K) 0.18
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Thermal Conductivity (BTU/h·ft·°F) 0.10

Unfamiliar with a property? Click it's description to be given a full definition in the GLOSSARY

See properties and overview for
ALLOYS and CHEMICAL ELEMENTS
popular in engineering

Require different units not displayed?
CONVERT VARIOUS UNITS HERE