PVC is one of the most used plastics in the industry sector. The fact that PVC is widely used for the production of many different objects shows how its intrinsic characteristics are extremely useful and special. Let’s start talking about the rigidity of PVC: the material is very stiff if pure but it becomes flexible if mixed with other substances. This distinctive trait makes PVC suitable for the manufacturing of products used in different fields, from the building one to the automotive one.
However, not each peculiarity of the substance is convenient. The melting temperature of this polymer is pretty low, which makes PVC unsuitable for those environments where extremely high temperatures can be reached.
Moreover, hazards can originate from the fact that, if overheating, PVC releases molecules of chlorine as hydrochloric acid or dioxin. Coming into contact with this substance could cause irreparable health issues.
To make the polymer compatible with its industrial production, it is mixed with stabilizers, plasticizers, colorants, and lubricants which help in the manufacturing process as well as in making PVC more pliable and less prone to wear and tear.