Material polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride (abbreviated PVC) is a thermoplastic polymer produced by chain polymerization from the monomer vinyl chloride. PVC is the third most important polymer for plastics after polyethylene and polypropylene.

PVC is traded as soft and rigid PVC. Soft PVC contains up to 40 percent plasticizer and is therefore elastic, flexible and malleable. Phthalic acid esters are the main plasticizers used. Chlorinated kerosenes, adipic acid esters and phosphoric acid esters are less important.

PVC has been produced industrially since the mid-1930s. Initially, however, only in the hard variant. The first applications included plastic pipes - for water and wastewater, for example. In order for the material to be formed into pipes at all, it first had to be heated at temperatures of 160 degrees Celsius.

PVC is one of the amorphous plastics. Nevertheless, this material is characterized by excellent media resistance. Flexible PVC hoses are suitable for almost any environment and for almost any application - with the exception of applications involving solvents (aromatics, esters, ketones, CHCs).

PVC is an inexpensive, versatile material. However, the temperature resistance as well as the abrasion resistance of PVC are significantly worse than those of polyurethane. In addition, the material can become brittle over time due to migrating plasticizers, which can lead to premature failure of the hose.