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.
More items like plastic signs, furnishings, flooring, clothing and artificial Christmas trees often are made out of the thermoplastic PVC and in some cases even types of clothing are created as this material is able to mimic leather and latex in looks but definitely costs less. It is also water resistant which makes it a great material for heavy-duty winter coats along with ski clothes or equipment.
Vinyl records forming part of your collection are made of PVC too. It is why they are well known as "vinyl" records. Although sometimes other records back in the day were made out of polystyrene, also a thermoplastic. One brand name of polystyrene is Styrofoam, which probably is quite familiar to you. Many thermoforming companies use in creating containers and cups which are custom thermoform. Polycarbonate which is another type of plastic is responsible for the manufacture of Compact Discs. Your DVDs are made out of this thermoplastic as well.
Do you know that PVC was in fact like all other plastics whose discovery has been accidental? This one was discovered by on two different occasions. In 1835, it was Henri Victor Regnault who discovered it the first time and then 40 years later a certain Eugen Baumann stumbled upon it the second time. Nevertheless, they both only wrote about it but never had it patented. It took a German inventor to patent it in 1913 however its "more or less" perfect state was all thanks to Waldo Semon, one of the world's renowned chemists, after a few more years. Semon was hired by B.F. Goodrich to turn this plastic into something more useable. And so, it became what is now the third most widely used worldwide.
One thing people should remember is that like all thermoplastic, PVC can be recycled. While some cities do not accept this particular type of thermoplastic in recycling bins, some towns and cities do allow this as part of their municipal recycling programs. Check with the refuse company in your area and ask if they allow you to place PVC items in your bin.
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.
More items like plastic signs, furnishings, flooring, clothing and artificial Christmas trees often are made out of the thermoplastic PVC and in some cases even types of clothing are created as this material is able to mimic leather and latex in looks but definitely costs less. It is also water resistant which makes it a great material for heavy-duty winter coats along with ski clothes or equipment.
Vinyl records forming part of your collection are made of PVC too. It is why they are well known as "vinyl" records. Although sometimes other records back in the day were made out of polystyrene, also a thermoplastic. One brand name of polystyrene is Styrofoam, which probably is quite familiar to you. Many thermoforming companies use in creating containers and cups which are custom thermoform. Polycarbonate which is another type of plastic is responsible for the manufacture of Compact Discs. Your DVDs are made out of this thermoplastic as well.
Do you know that PVC was in fact like all other plastics whose discovery has been accidental? This one was discovered by on two different occasions. In 1835, it was Henri Victor Regnault who discovered it the first time and then 40 years later a certain Eugen Baumann stumbled upon it the second time. Nevertheless, they both only wrote about it but never had it patented. It took a German inventor to patent it in 1913 however its "more or less" perfect state was all thanks to Waldo Semon, one of the world's renowned chemists, after a few more years. Semon was hired by B.F. Goodrich to turn this plastic into something more useable. And so, it became what is now the third most widely used worldwide.
One thing people should remember is that like all thermoplastic, PVC can be recycled. While some cities do not accept this particular type of thermoplastic in recycling bins, some towns and cities do allow this as part of their municipal recycling programs. Check with the refuse company in your area and ask if they allow you to place PVC items in your bin.
About the Author:
Lenna Stockwell enjoys writing about how stuff is made. For further details about plastic thermoforming, or to find out more about industrial thermoform packaging options, please visit the Indepak site today.
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