Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride is a thermoplastic polymer that has certain mechanical, chemical, and physical properties that make pipes made from this material superior to its counterparts for use in many applications and for utilities. The composition of uPVC qualifies it as perhaps one of the most versatile materials of this century.
This is a low maintenance material that can be found in a range of applications such as pipes and fittings, gutters, bottles, floor tiling, cladding, records, and film. It is actually the preferred choice of window framing for manufacturers all around the world.
The advantages of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride are that it is cheap to manufacture, affordable to purchase, is flame retardants, is stiff and strong, may be transparent, makes a good vapor barrier, and has a great resistance to UV exposure, acids and alkalis. Its disadvantages include that it may crack when exposed to certain solvents, requires modification to melt properly, and could experience performance issues at temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit without special treatment, or those above 120.
This type of piping is extremely well suited for the conveyance of potable water because it has the most hygienic properties. The smoothness of the interior pipe surface allows the fluid to flow without resistance and it does not allow for the anything to start growing or becoming encrusted on it. Because it is not prone to all types of contamination, there is no odd tastes or undesirable odors transmitted to the liquids inside.
When it comes to mechanical strength, this particular type of thermoplastic polymer is a suitable choice for a wide variety of conditions. Its compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths are an impressive 450 kg/cm2. Its density is about 1.43g/cm3, which makes it almost 1/6th that of steel or cast iron. This lighter weight translates to cheaper transportation costs and easier handling during installations.
One thing that is becoming more important in many types of applications is the ability of a material to be flexible in natural conditions. As a thermoplastic material, unplasticized polyvinyl chloride is more forgiving of movement in the earth and resists deformation. This is one of many factors that is making it the more favorable choice for many purposes over the alternatives of asbestos cement or metallic pipes – both of which are prone to collapse when under certain stress levels.
This material performs exceptionally well in a number of modern industrial applications as well as purposes such as sewage transport. This is largely because of its resistance to the corrosive properties of most chemicals. The majority of fats, oils, alkalis, acids, and organics have little to no effect on it at all. This means that it will be less prone to damage and require far less maintenance than other options.
The thermal conductivity of this thermoplastic polymer is extremely low which means the fluids it transports stay a uniform temperature and the pipes do not get condensation on the outside of them. The material also has great insulating qualities that are perfect for electrical conduits. It works well in building construction as it is non-combustible and self-extinguishing – very desirable safety features. The combination of all of these factors make using unplasticized polyvinyl chloride a beneficial choice
