What Is Pvc ?

PVC, “vinyl” with its common name, is the abbreviated form of the word (polyvinyl chloride) and is a type of polymer which was produced of petroleum (or natural gas) and salt in petrochemical plants and whose formula is –(CH2-CH2). This polymer is formed into plastic by being shaped under high temperature after various additives had been blended and then used. PVC, is one of the rarest thermoplastics which carry chlorine atoms in its polymer chain. Ignition temperature is higher due to the chlorine content of PVC, the flame goes out immediately when it spontaneously ignites. PVC thermally deteriorates easily in high temperature and removes hydrochloric acid which is a corrosive gas. PVC can be mixed with more additives as compared to other polymers. Therefore, the PVC plastic materials are relatively low cost; it provides general and multi-purpose use. PVC is the most widely used type of polymer after Polyethylene.

PVC, was first synthesized in 1920s but was used after 1930s and the use of it was increased especially during the 2nd World War; and it had been one of the most widely used types of polymer in the last 20-30 years period. Pvc, from construction industry (as a material of window profiles, door, shutters, irrigation and sewage pipes, wall-floor and roof tiles) to packaging industry ( in production of bi-orient thin shrink film, cover for cork, bottle and bags); from various applications in medicine (as blood bags, blood tubes, surgical gloves and catheters) to production of electrical-electronic materials (as high-voltage insulators, optical fiber sheath); from the uses in automotive field (as glass seal/wiper system, flooring, mats) to production of other various consumption goods (the production of toys, a variety of sports materials, linoleum, artificial leather and footwear; even credit cards); briefly almost in all fields of our lives is widely used

It is suggested that PVC polluted and damaged the environment like other plastics. In fact the effect of PVC on environment is primarily “visual”. It stands out in relief instantly like other plastic wastes due to its low density and the large volume of produced parts. However, it will be noticed;

PVC waste can be collected and salvaged like paper and glass waste (it can be re-used by being added in certain amounts to vinyl window profiles or other plastic material production line, even it can be salvaged in textile industry by being brought into the fiber,

PVC material, aside from the harm to the environment, it also serves as a way to protect the environment. With the usage of PVC in the production of window profiles or doors, the wood is substituted, the tree cutting is reduced and the protection of the forests is provided. From this view, PVC is “eco-friendly” and “has taken the task of protecting the environment

The frequently used materials in the production of window profiles and doors are PVC-Aluminum and Wood. A study (EMPA 1991/2) showed that, “considering the average use of 15 years of window profiles made of wood and PVC”, “PVC Windows were 46% more cheaper than hard wood ones; and 40% cheaper than the soft wood ones” and their environmental effects were similar. In this period while PVC profiles do not need any painting, the wooden materials have to be painted several times. LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) analyses which an evaluation system is considering the lifecycle from production to extinction and the degree of environmental pollution during this lifecycle, share the same results. It is also known that aluminum production required nearly 4 times more energy than PVC and polluted the environment much

PVC provides lightness like all plastics. PVC is much more lighter than wood. On the other hand, if aluminum and PVC blocks with same volume are compared, it would be seen that PVC was nearly two times more lighter

Another environmental contribution of PVC window profiles is fuel consumption due to its well isolation and causing to reduce the fuel gas like carbon dioxide which has an effect on the increase in air pollution. In this case, if the heat transfer coefficients of Wood-Aluminum and PVC are compared, it is understood respectively that

WOOD: 8W / m2. K; Aluminum: 5.9 w / m2. K; PVC: 0.8 W / m2. K values and the fuel consumption would be 30-50% lower with the use of pure PVC material. The reduce in the fuel consumption would lead to an equal reduction in environmental pollution, and also would lead to less waste gas and ash and would provide economical benefit

In this case as (1)VC monomer and (2) used additives in two matters information transfer is required.(1) VC monomer: It is obtained by full polymerizing of Vinyl Chloride (shortly VC) which is produced at the initial phase from PVC, fuel and salt. Almost for 20 years, it is known that having direct VC exceeding a particular dose causes a cancer type focused on liver. For this reason, in the factories where VC is produced, existence of VC in gas form more than 2ppm (2 in million) is not allowed. This amount, as a measure, has been reduced to 1 ppm lately. Anyhow it must be said, all existed PVC factories today on the world as result of improving technology, work in controlled closed systems, continuously monitored with advanced measurement systems and no contact or leakage of VC with outer environment is possible. Thus, according to the report of World Health Organization, in nowhere since 1978 a health problem arising from VC is encountered. But, attention must be paid: if polymerizing isn’t performed carefully while producing PVC from VC, some VC may remain in the produced PVC. Normally, one of the major concerns of the public is VC remained in the PVC. But today, PVC which is obtained during the polymerizing performed carefully, will not cause any health problem related to VC. Today profile manufacturers must regularly monitor VC amounts in the PVC anyhow.

Additives: Before for example handling of PVC as profile, in order to increase resistance “impact modifier”, to increase heat and light (generally heavy metal salts based Barium, Cadmium, Tin and Lead) “stabilizers and pigments” (Generally titanium based); also “various filling materials” (for example, calcium carbonate covered with stearic acid) lubricities and additives facilitating flow. Any special processing is not applied to the PVC surface; but when special surface colors are wanted to be obtained, some acrylic layers are added to the surface with a special processing. As it is known, heavy metals and salts of lead type are dangerous since they accumulate in the body. In connection with the lead compounds attracting attention as specially poisonous among the mentioned additives, it is know that they are used since 1970’s in profile manufacture and yet isn’t reported that they cause any health problem. On the contrary, PVC pipes which are produced by adding in specific amounts from lead compounds are allowed to be used even in drinking water systems. It is known that cadmium added PVCs whose carcinogenic effects are known, are used as window profiles in the EU countries who are very sensitive in PVC applications. Tin and zinc additives which are known they increase the strength of profiles against outer impacts and are not toxic, are suggested by Federation of Drugs of America.

Shortly, all additives used in PVC, for used limits, don’t have an effect on human health.

PVC Windows and doors used are solid and in room temperature a gas remove is not expected. However, the existence of a smell is discoursed in the places where PVC profiles were hanged and felt uneasy about. Like every new material, there can be a pervasive smell on PVC profiles due to production and carriage etc., but it dissolves after a short time. PVC profiles are perfect from the view of leakage of air and water as shown in test results; whereat every kind of smell in the room cannot leak out as opposed to wooden material because of this superior leak proofing and for this reason it can increase heavily. Certainly it would be healthier to ventilate the windows carrying PVC profiles by opening time to time.

After assembly, if any, plaster and whitewash renovations are done. Protective tape is removed, exposure of tape to light and heat for a long time will cause it to be welded in the profile surface, and will complicate its removal. To prevent this, tapes must be removed in cool weather. Otherwise, it would be appropriate to put some warmed oil up to 55 C on the tape surface, and remove after 4-5 hours of waiting time.

The materials like paint and mortar glued on profiles should be cleaned immediately and carefully but without scratching.

It has to be considered the detergents used for cleaning shouldn’t have excess particles, liquid or balm ones should be chosen. It should be avoided to contact with metal equipped water or soap.

PVC systems should not be cleaned with solvents or bleaches. Even in the intense rain conditions, if water channels that providing water discharge, are cleaned time to time, will give better results. Must be lubricated at least one time in the year to provide espagnolettes to work better. Thus, premature wear will be prevented. Grease is ideal for this work. To not to harm equipments, all adjustments must be done by our authorized agents. Moisture is water steam in the air and changes depending on the air temperature. When moisture meets with cold surfaces like glass, becomes water form and sweating occurs. Case-wing ranges of the woodworks prevent sweating. In PVC systems, due to seals, elimination of sweating by air flow is not in question. For this reason areas with PVCs must be ventilated by opening the wings in appropriate times. This is important also in health aspect because of this provides continuous fresh air circulation and balanced moisture ratio.

To prevent condensation on the surface of building elements;

Internal temperature should be around 20-22 C.

The sections of the building in which water is used frequently must be ventilated with window.

The water vapor released while cooking food must be removed with stove top aspirators.

It has to be ventilated at least 4-5 times a day.