While the words polyvinyl chloride might be unfamiliar to you, this is a type of thermoplastic that is better known simply as PVC. While we typically associated PVC with pipes, many products actually are made out of this plastic. Here are a few facts about polyvinyl chloride that you might find interesting.
A good way to start the list of facts is by citing that apart from the usual pipes we know, there are several products like the electrical cables used in insulation which are made out of this particular thermoplastic PVC. Some homes also flaunt exteriors with vinyl siding because they prove to be durable and highly resistant to elements thus are great replacement for wood.
Plastic signs also often are made using PVC, as well as furnishings, flooring, artificial Christmas trees and sometimes even clothing, which are created because it mimics the look of leather and latex but is less expensive to produce. Because of its resistance to water, it often will be used to make heavy-duty winter coats, ski clothes and other ski equipment.
You ought to know that your vinyl records are in fact made out of PVC. And so, it explains the very name of “vinyl,” However not every early record made are with the PVC material as some are made out of polystyrene which is another type of thermoplastic. This particular material is what you know today to be the Styrofoam and this is responsible for the thermoforming companies’ custom thermoform containers and cups. Plastic known as polycarbonate is the one material used in making those compact discs. The same goes with your DVDs.
Like several other types of plastic, PVC was discovered accidentally. In truth, it was accidentally discovered on two separate occasions. The first time was by Henri Victor Regnault back in 1835 and then about 40 years later, Eugen Baumann discovered PVC. While both wrote about this interesting polymer, neither patented PVC. A German inventor patented this plastic in 1913, but it was a few years later before the plastic was more or less perfected by Waldo Semon, one of the world’s most notable chemists. Semon was hired by B.F. Goodrich to make this plastic quite a bit more useable. Today it is the third most widely used plastic on earth.
People should note this: that PVC is like all thermoplastic – it is recyclable. Maybe not all cities have come to accept some types of the thermoplastic to be included in their recycling bins, there are places who are willing to do so as part of the municipal recycling programs they have. So be sure that you check with the refuse company within your locality if placing PVC items into your bins is allowed.
Lenna Stockwell loves writing about how stuff is made. To get further information about plastic thermoforming, or to find out more about industrial thermoform packaging options, please visit the Indepak.com site now.
