Today we will answer the questions: what is PVC resin? What is PVC resin used for? and How is PVC resin made?
What is PVC Resin?
As we know from our previous article, PVC is an acronym for polyvinyl chloride. PVC resin is a white powder commonly used to produce thermoplastics. A resin is a material used in the production of plastics and rubbers.
PVC resin alone is a raw material. Other ingredients must be added to convert this resin into a finished product. These can include heat stabilizers, plasticizers, lubricants, and fillers (see descriptions below). When plasticizers are added, the material tends to become much more flexible and pliable than it otherwise would be. The chemical resistance, stress resistance, and puncture resistance can also be increased.
What Is It Used For?
PVC resin can be produced in numerous forms and create a variety of items across industries, which makes it extremely popular. Some common products made with PVC resin are: blood bags, windows and pipes.
It has a high chemical resistance, resistant to water and abrasion, lightweight, maintenance free and long lasting, which makes it ideal for use in the construction industry. Additives help PVC heat stability at higher temperatures. It’s one weakness is UV exposure; even though additives can help with this, it is better to avoid long exposure which is why they are commonly used underground.
How is PVC Resin Made?
Production of PVC resin generally relies heavily on the use of chlorine and crude oil. There are four manufacturing processes commonly used in its production:
suspension method
the mass method
the emulsion/dispersion method
the solution method
To learn more about PVC, read this blog on PVC.
DEFINITIONS
Plasticizers are organic liquids or solids that are incorporated by melt processing or diffusion into a compatible polymer to reduce interaction between molecules and improve molecular mobility.
Heat stabilizers are antioxidants that are used to reduce the degrading effects of heat generated during processing of the biopolymer composition under severe conditions (shearing, temperature, and oxygen).
Lubricants as plastic additives, assist in the internal lubrication for the resin and reducing friction between the polymer melt and the surface. During processing, lubricants forbid the plastic to stick to the mold surface.
Filler materials are particles added to resin or binders (plastics, composites, concrete) that can improve specific properties, make the product cheaper or a mixture of both. The two largest segments for filler material use is elastomers and plastics.
Comments