PVC
Also known as: Polyvinyl chloride, Vinyl
Versatile, robust plastic with high chemical resistance, often used as a coating for tarpaulins and high-visibility vests.
Description
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a chlorine-containing thermoplastic patented in 1913 and today, after polyethylene and polypropylene, one of the most-produced plastics worldwide. In the textile sector PVC is mainly used as a coating or film, less as an independent fibre.
PVC is resistant to water, fats, many chemicals and UV, becomes flexible through plasticisers (mostly phthalates) and is heat sealable. Classic applications are truck tarpaulins, raincoats, reflective strips on high-visibility vests, aprons, shower curtains, market umbrellas and inflatables. PVC synthetic leather is the cheaper alternative to PU leather.
- Chlorine-containing thermoplastic
- Waterproof and chemical resistant
- Heat sealable
- Plasticiser share in soft PVC up to 30 %
Ecologically and health-wise, PVC is controversial due to plasticisers, potential dioxin emissions on combustion and difficult recyclability; alternatives such as PU, EVA and PEVA are therefore gaining ground.
Properties
| Material type | Chlorine-containing thermoplastic |
|---|---|
| Plasticisers | Phthalates (up to 30 % in soft PVC) |
| Resistance | Water, fat, chemicals, UV |
| Typical use | Tarpaulins, raincoats, high-visibility vests |
Related product categories
Sources & references
3- Wikipedia: PVC Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinylchlorid
- PlasticsEurope plasticseurope.org https://plasticseurope.org/
- OEKO-TEX OEKO-TEX Association https://www.oeko-tex.com/
