Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a flexible or rigid material that is chemically nonreactive. PVC offers excellent corrosion and weather resistance. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is a good electrical and thermal insulator. The most widely used member of the vinyl family, PVC may be cemented, welded, machined, bent and shaped readily.
At Emco Industrial Plastics, we're proud to offer a wide range of PVC machining, finishing and related services for PVC sheets and other PVC products. What is PVC, and specifically PVC Type 1? Here's a primer on this important plastic material and its various advantages and applications.
The acronym "PVC" stands for Polyvinyl Chloride, a synthetic plastic polymer made from the combination of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) with other ingredients. PVC is one of the most widely produced plastics in the world, used for a variety of applications due to its versatility and durability. It can be found in products ranging from pipes and fittings to flooring, electrical insulation, and even clothing.
PVC is made by polymerizing vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) through a process called suspension polymerization. This involves suspending small droplets of VCM in water and adding initiators that cause the monomer to link together, forming long chains of PVC molecules.
There are three broad classifications for rigid PVC compounds: Type I, Type II, and CPVC. Type II and CPVC offer better heat and chemical resistance as well as greater impact resistance. These materials are considered “unplasticized” (rigid) because they are less flexible than the plasticized formulations. Type I, II, and CPVC are normally available in rod, sheet, slab, pipe, tubular bar, fittings and valves. “Plasticized” PVC is available in sheet, film, fittings, flexible tubing, and pipe.
The properties of PVC can be varied by the addition of fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers and colorants. Contact an Emco Industrial Plastics representative who can help you choose the correct material to meet the needs of your applications.
Harvel® Bar
Simona® Brigade VS-1
Simona® Versadur 100 Series
Simona® Versadur 152
Vintec® I
Emco Industrial Plastics doesn’t claim to represent all of the manufacturers or trade name products listed. This list is intended as a guide of typical materials available for purchase from Emco Industrial Plastics, Inc. For additional information, contact an Emco Industrial Plastics representative by filling out the form below.
Looking for cut-to-size items off the shelf? Shop PVC sheets & bars, rods, tubes, rectangular tubes, and angles from our distribution partner Fix Supply. Check out their Knowledge Center for additional information.
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Polyvinyl Chloride, Type I
Available In
Sheet, Rod
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| Type | Size | Length | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet | 1/16″ – 4″ TH | Dk. Grey, White, Grey, Clear, Ultra White | |
| Rod | 1/4″ – 12″ DIA | Standard, CTS | Grey |
Give us your cut-to-size dimensions. We will precision-cut these plastics to your exact size. Additional sizes and colors available upon request.
| Physical Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | lb/in³ | D792 | 0.051 |
| Water Absorption, 24 hrs | % | D570 | 0 |
| Mechanical Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength @yield | psi | D638 | 7500 |
| Tensile Modulus | psi | D638 | 411000 |
| Flexural Strength | psi | D790 | 12800 |
| Flexural Modulus | psi | D790 | 481000 |
| Hardness, Rockwell R | D785 | 115 | |
| IZOD Impact Strength Notched | ft-lb/in | D256 | 1 |
| Thermal Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion | (x 10⁻⁵ in./in./°F) | D696 | 6.1 |
| Heat Deflection Temp at 264 psi | °F | 176 | |
| Max Operating Temp | °F | 140 | |
| Thermal Conductivity | BTU-in/ft²-hr-°F | C177 | 0.9 |
| Flammability Rating | UL94 | V – O |
| Electrical Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Strength, 1/8″ th. | V/mil | D149 | 544 |
| Dielectric Constant @60HZ | D150 | 3.2 | |
| Dissipation Factor @ 60 Hz | D150 | 0.0096 | |
| Volume Resistivity | ohm-cm | D257 | 5.4 x 10¹⁵ |
NOTE: The property values presented above are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control. Contact us for manufacturers’ complete material property datasheets. All values at 73°F (23°C) unless otherwise noted.
NOTE: Several grades of this material are available. For additional information regarding this plastic, contact your Emco Industrial Plastics representative or call 973-862-4148.
