Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, is a remarkably strong and durable material with incredible versatility, making it perfect for a broad range of applications. As one of the oldest and most widely used plastic products in the world, PVC can be found in the walls of homes, health care devices, and clothing fibers around the world. Below are a few facts contractors and manufacturers should know about this amazing material.

A Guide to PVC

The History of Polyvinyl Chloride

Unlike other plastic products, most of which didn’t go into full-scale production until the 1940s or 50s, PVC was first synthesized in 1872 and was first manufactured commercially in the 1920s by B.F. Goodrich. First used to make golf balls and shoe heels, PVC soon became popular as a waterproof coating for clothing and a replacement for rubber insulation on military ships during World War II.

What Makes PVC Special?

Depending on the process and the application, PVC can be produced in both flexible and rigid forms. The stiff, hard material offers extremely high tensile strength and density compared to other plastic products. As a thermoplastic, it also melts when it reaches its boiling point, as opposed to other materials which simply burn, so it can be reshaped after production and easily recycled.

Applications of PVC

These days, PVC is often used in flooring, siding, and plumbing pipes. Your debit card is probably made with PVC, along with the insulation in your electrical system. Thanks to its strength and hardness, it’s also the first choice for medical device manufacturers who need easily sterilized, low-cost materials that won’t degrade over time.

With one of the largest selections of plastic products in the Pacific, Min Plastics & Supply supplies the best materials available to businesses throughout Hawaii. In addition to supplying the best PVC on the market, they also have a skilled team of experienced fabricators with the tools and expertise to fashion almost anything you might need. Visit their website to learn more about the benefits of PVC, get more tips and advice on Facebook, or call (808) 847-1511 to discuss your project and place an order.