PVC Sheet: Characteristics, Classification and Diverse Applications

1. Basic understanding of PVC Sheet

(1) Definition

PVC Sheet, also known as polyvinyl chloride sheet material, is a sheet material made mainly from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, with appropriate amounts of stabilizers, plasticizers, fillers, colorants and other additives added, and processed through calendering, extrusion and other techniques. It is a common thermoplastic sheet and plays a key role in many fields.
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(2) Development History

Since the commercial production of PVC was achieved in the 1920s, PVC sheets have also gradually developed. Initially, its application fields were relatively limited. However, with the continuous improvement of production processes and the in-depth research on its performance, its application in industries such as construction, packaging, and electronics has become increasingly widespread. Nowadays, PVC Sheet has become one of the most widely used plastic sheets worldwide.
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2. Feature Analysis

(1) Physical properties

Appearance: PVC sheets come in a variety of appearances and colors, and can be made into transparent, semi-transparent or various solid-colored sheets. Its surface can be smooth, presenting a high gloss, and can also be processed into different textures such as matte and frosted to meet the decorative requirements of different scenarios.
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Density: Its density is generally between 1.3 and 1.45g/cm³, which is relatively high. This gives it a certain weight and makes it perform well in some applications that require stable structures. However, compared with materials such as metals, PVC sheets still have the advantage of being lighter in weight, making them convenient for handling and installation.
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Hardness and flexibility: By adjusting the content of plasticizer in the formula, PVC sheets can achieve a wide range of adjustment between hardness and flexibility. Hard PVC sheets have high hardness and rigidity, capable of withstanding considerable pressure and impact force, and are suitable for building structural components, industrial equipment casings, etc. Soft PVC sheets, on the other hand, have excellent flexibility and can be bent and folded. They are often used in packaging, soft protective materials and other fields.
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(2) Chemical properties

Chemical resistance: PVC sheets have excellent resistance to most acids, alkalis, salts and other chemical substances. It can resist the erosion of common chemical reagents such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Therefore, it is widely used in the inner lining of equipment and pipeline production in industries such as chemical engineering, electroplating and sewage treatment, effectively extending the service life of equipment and reducing maintenance costs.
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Weather resistance: PVC sheets that have undergone special formula and process treatment have excellent weather resistance and can be used for a long time in outdoor environments without obvious aging, fading, cracking or other phenomena. It has a certain resistance to ultraviolet rays and is not easily degraded by sunlight exposure, which makes it widely used in fields such as exterior wall decoration of buildings, outdoor billboards, and covering of greenhouses.
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(3) Other characteristics

Insulation: PVC Sheet is an excellent electrical insulating material with stable electrical insulation performance and can effectively prevent the conduction of current. This feature makes it widely used in the electronics and electrical industry to produce insulating sheaths for wires and cables, electrical enclosures, insulating partitions, etc., ensuring the safe operation of electrical equipment.
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Flame retardancy: PVC itself has certain flame retardant properties. It has a relatively high chlorine content. When burning, it can release chlorine gas to inhibit the spread of flames and has self-extinguishing properties. By adding flame retardants and other additives, the flame retardant performance of PVC sheets can be further enhanced, meeting the strict fire safety requirements of the construction, transportation and other industries. They are often used as interior decoration materials for building ceilings, partition walls, etc., as well as for automotive interiors.
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3. Classification Overview

Classified by hardness

Rigid PVC Sheet: The content of plasticizer in rigid PVC Sheet is relatively low, generally below 10%, thus it has high hardness, strength and rigidity. It has high surface hardness, good wear resistance, is not prone to deformation, and can withstand considerable pressure and impact force. In the construction industry, rigid PVC sheets are often used to make door and window frames, exterior wall panels, wall panels, etc. Their excellent rigidity can ensure the structural stability of doors and Windows, as well as the flatness and durability of exterior wall panels. In the industrial field, it can be used to manufacture the casings of chemical equipment, storage containers, conveying pipes, etc. With its chemical corrosion resistance and high strength, it can effectively resist the erosion of chemical substances and the pressure during equipment operation.
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Soft PVC Sheet: Soft PVC Sheet is added with a large amount of plasticizer, usually ranging from 30% to 70%, which makes it have excellent flexibility, elasticity and processability. Soft PVC Sheet is soft in texture, comfortable to the touch, can be easily bent and folded, and can return to its original shape after bending. In the packaging industry, soft PVC sheets are often made into various packaging bags, cling films, shrink films, etc., and are used for packaging food, daily necessities, electronic products, etc. Their flexibility makes it convenient to wrap items of various shapes, and they also have good sealing performance. In the fields of clothing and footwear materials, it can be used as raw material for artificial leather and synthetic leather, for making the collars, cuffs, belts of clothing, as well as the uppers and linings of shoes, imitating the soft texture and appearance of natural leather, while being more affordable.
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Semi-rigid PVC Sheet: The plasticizer content of semi-rigid PVC Sheet lies between that of rigid and soft materials, generally ranging from 10% to 30%. It combines a certain degree of hardness and flexibility, and its performance is relatively balanced. Semi-rigid PVC sheets have been applied in some fields with specific requirements for material properties. For instance, in automotive interiors, they can be used to manufacture components such as instrument panels and door interior panels. These sheets require both a certain degree of hardness to support the structure and a certain degree of flexibility to adapt to the complex shapes and assembly requirements inside the vehicle. In stationery manufacturing, it can be used to make file folders, document bags, plastic pads, etc. Its moderate hardness can protect the documents and materials, and its flexibility is convenient for daily use and carrying.
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(2) Classification by molding process

Calendered PVC Sheet: Calendered PVC Sheet is made by rolling a mixture of PVC resin and additives through a series of rollers at high temperatures in a calendering machine to extend it into a thin sheet. The PVC Sheet produced by this process has a smooth surface, high flatness and good thickness uniformity, and is suitable for the production of large-area and relatively thin sheets. Rolled PVC sheets are often used in the field of architectural decoration, such as for making PVC floor leather, wallpaper, etc. Their smooth surface is convenient for printing various exquisite patterns and textures, enhancing the decorative effect. In the packaging industry, transparent sheet materials that can be used to make food packaging are characterized by their smooth surface and high transparency, which can clearly display the food inside the package and meet food hygiene and safety standards.
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Extruded PVC Sheet: Extruded PVC Sheet is a process where PVC material is extruded through the screw of an extruder. Under certain temperature and pressure, it passes through a die of a specific shape, thereby forming a continuous sheet material. The extrusion process can produce PVC sheets of different thicknesses and widths, and has a relatively high production efficiency. Extruded PVC sheets are widely used in the construction industry to produce PVC plastic door and window profiles, drainage pipes, cable troughs, etc. The continuous extrusion feature enables the length of the produced profiles to be customized as needed, meeting the diverse demands of construction. In the industrial field, it can be used to manufacture various plastic products such as industrial pallets and turnover boxes. By taking advantage of its high strength and wear resistance, it meets the usage requirements in industrial logistics transportation.
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Injection-molded PVC Sheet: Injection-molded PVC Sheet is made by injecting molten PVC plastic into the mold cavity through an injection molding machine, and after cooling and curing, the sheet of the desired shape is obtained. This process is applicable to the production of PVC Sheet products with complex shapes and high requirements for dimensional accuracy. Injection-molded PVC sheets are often used in the electronics and electrical industry to make the shells, panels and other components of electrical equipment. They can precisely form various structures such as keys, interfaces and installation holes, meeting the functional and appearance requirements of electronic equipment. In the toy manufacturing industry, various plastic toy shells, components, etc. can be produced. Through injection molding technology, the diversification and refinement of toy shapes can be achieved, and the safety of PVC materials meets the standards of the toy industry.
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(3) Classification by special functions

Flame-retardant PVC Sheet: Flame-retardant PVC Sheet is made by adding highly efficient flame retardants to PVC resin through a special formula and processing technology, which endows it with excellent flame-retardant performance. According to different flame retardant standards and requirements, flame-retardant PVC sheets can achieve different flame retardant grades, such as UL94 V-0, V-1, V-2, etc. In the field of construction, flame-retardant PVC sheets are often used in the interior decoration of buildings, such as ceilings, partition walls, floors and other parts, which can effectively prevent the spread of fire and ensure the safety of people and property. It is also widely used in the interior materials of transportation vehicles such as ships and rail transit. Due to the relatively enclosed space and dense population in these places, the flame retardant performance of the materials is required to be extremely high. Flame-retardant PVC sheets can meet their strict fire safety standards.
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Anti-static PVC Sheet: By adding anti-static agents to PVC materials or adopting special surface treatment processes, the surface resistance of anti-static PVC Sheet is reduced, effectively preventing the generation and accumulation of static electricity. In industries such as electronic and electrical manufacturing, semiconductor production, and precision instruments and meters, static electricity may cause damage to electronic products, affecting the production process and product quality. Anti-static PVC sheets are often used to make worktops, turnover boxes, pallets, packaging bags, etc. for electronic devices, providing an electrostatic protection environment for the production, transportation and storage of electronic products, avoiding the damage of static electricity to electronic components, and improving the yield and reliability of products.
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Antibacterial PVC Sheet: Antibacterial PVC Sheet is made by adding antibacterial additives to PVC resin, such as silver ion antibacterial agents and nano-antibacterial materials, which endow it with the ability to inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria, molds and other microorganisms. Antibacterial PVC Sheet is widely used in the medical and health field. It can be used to make hospital bed guardrails, medical device shells, ward partitions, wall decorative panels, etc. It effectively reduces the breeding of bacteria on the material surface, lowers the risk of cross-infection, and provides a more hygienic and safe environment for patients and medical staff. In the food processing industry, it can also be used to make protective plates, conveyor belts and other components for food processing equipment, preventing microbial contamination of food and ensuring food safety.
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Transparent PVC Sheet: Transparent PVC Sheet has high transparency and can clearly allow light to pass through. Its transparency is comparable to that of glass. It adopts a special formula and production process, reducing impurities and bubbles inside the material and ensuring excellent optical performance. Transparent PVC sheets are widely used in the display field, such as making product display stands in shopping malls, window partitions, and protective covers for exhibits in museums, which can highlight the characteristics of the displayed items and attract customers' attention. In the agricultural field, it can be used as a covering material for greenhouse sheds. It can not only effectively transmit light to meet the photosynthesis needs of plants, but also has certain heat preservation, windproof and rainproof properties, creating a favorable environment for the growth of crops.

4. Diverse applications

(1) Field of architecture

Door and window system: PVC door and window frames and sashes have excellent heat insulation and sound insulation performance, which can effectively reduce the energy consumption of buildings and improve the comfort of the interior. It has strong corrosion resistance, is not prone to rust or rot, has a long service life, and has an attractive appearance with a variety of colors, which can match various architectural styles. ​

Exterior wall decoration: PVC exterior wall panels can simulate the texture and effect of various materials such as wood and stone. They are easy to install, have low maintenance costs, and possess excellent waterproof, moisture-proof and weather-resistant properties. They can effectively protect the exterior walls of buildings and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the buildings. ​

Interior decoration: PVC ceilings have the advantages of being lightweight, moisture-proof, fireproof and sound-absorbing. They can be designed into various shapes and patterns and are widely used in the interior ceiling decoration of homes, offices, shopping malls, hotels and other places. PVC flooring features anti-slip, wear resistance, easy cleaning and comfortable foot feel. It is suitable for places with high requirements for the floor, such as hospitals, schools, kindergartens and office buildings. ​

(2) Advertising and signage industry

Billboard production: The surface of PVC Sheet is smooth and suitable for various printing processes, such as screen printing and digital printing, which can present bright, clear and realistic patterns and text. It has strong weather resistance and is not prone to fading or deformation even after long-term use in outdoor environments. It is an ideal material for making outdoor billboards, bulletin boards, light box films, etc. ​

Signboards: Due to the fact that PVC sheets can be processed into various shapes and three-dimensional effects through engraving, cutting and other methods, they are often used to make all kinds of signboards, such as enterprise signboards, road direction signs, scenic area guide signs, etc., which have good visual effects and durability. ​

(3) The field of electronics and electrical appliances

Insulating material: The excellent electrical insulation performance of PVC Sheet makes it a common choice for the insulating outer skin of wires and cables, insulating partitions of electrical equipment, and packaging materials of electronic components. It can effectively prevent current leakage and ensure the safe operation of electrical equipment. ​

Shell and components: PVC sheets can be injection molded into the shells of various electronic and electrical products, such as TV shells, computer mainframe shells, mobile phone protective cases, etc. They have good formability and decorative properties, and at the same time can play a certain protective role. It can also be used to make some internal components of electrical appliances, such as fan blades and brackets.
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(4) Packaging industry

Product packaging: Packaging bags, cling film, shrink film, etc. made of soft PVC Sheet have good flexibility and sealing performance. They can be used to package various products such as food, daily necessities, cosmetics, and electronic products. They can effectively protect the products from external contamination and damage and extend the shelf life of the products. ​

Pallets and turnover boxes: Pallets and turnover boxes made of hard PVC Sheet feature high strength, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. They are suitable for the transportation and storage of industrial products, which can improve logistics efficiency and reduce product loss. ​

(5) Medical and health fields

Medical devices: PVC sheets can be used to make the shells, handles, trays and other components of some medical devices, such as the shells of blood pressure monitors and surgical instrument trays. They have good chemical stability, are easy to clean and disinfect, and meet the hygiene requirements of medical devices. ​

Hygiene products: In hospitals, clinics and other places, PVC sheets are often used to make hospital bed guardrails, bedside table tops, curtains and other hygiene facilities. They have the characteristics of antibacterial, anti-mold and easy cleaning, which can effectively prevent cross-infection and create a hygienic medical environment. ​

(6) Automotive industry

Interior materials: PVC sheets can be made into car seat covers, door panel interiors, dashboard covers and other interior components. They have good flexibility, wear resistance and decorative properties, which can enhance the texture and comfort of the car interior. At the same time, they are relatively inexpensive and have a high cost performance.
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Exterior components: Some exterior components of automobiles, such as the outer skin of the bumper and body trim strips, are also made of PVC material. By taking advantage of its good weather resistance and formability, it meets the requirements of the car's appearance design and performance. ​

(7) Agricultural field

Greenhouse: Transparent PVC Sheet is used as the covering material for greenhouses, which has good light transmittance and can meet the light requirements of plants for photosynthesis. At the same time, it has certain heat preservation performance and can regulate the temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse, providing a suitable environment for the growth of crops. It also has good wind resistance, snow resistance and aging resistance, which can ensure the service life of the greenhouse. ​

Agricultural irrigation: PVC irrigation pipes have the advantages of strong corrosion resistance, smooth inner walls, and low water flow resistance. They can be used in agricultural irrigation systems, effectively transporting water sources, improving irrigation efficiency, and reducing water waste.
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5. Processing and maintenance

(1) Processing method

Cutting: PVC sheets can be cut using tools such as electric saws, laser cutting machines, and shearing machines. Electric saw cutting is suitable for rough machining of larger-sized plates. It is simple to operate and has high efficiency. Laser cutting machines can achieve high-precision cutting with smooth cuts, making them suitable for creating fine patterns and shapes. Shearing machines are suitable for linear cutting of thinner plates. ​

Welding: For cases where PVC sheets need to be joined, methods such as hot air welding, ultrasonic welding, and solvent welding can be adopted. Hot air welding is a process where air is heated to melt the welding parts of PVC sheets, and then pressure is applied to join them together. Ultrasonic welding utilizes the high-frequency vibration of ultrasonic waves to generate heat due to molecular friction at the welding site, thereby achieving welding. Solvent welding involves using a specialized PVC solvent to dissolve the welding surfaces of the sheet. Once the solvent evaporates, the sheets are firmly joined together. ​

Forming: Through thermoforming processes such as vacuum forming and pressure forming, PVC sheets can be processed into various complex shapes. Vacuum forming involves covering a mold with a heated and softened PVC Sheet, creating a vacuum to make the sheet adhere to the mold surface, and after cooling, the desired formed product can be obtained. Pressure forming involves applying a certain pressure to a heated PVC Sheet in a mold to shape it. This method can produce products with greater strength and precision. ​

Surface treatment: To enhance the decorative and functional properties of PVC sheets, surface treatments such as printing, painting, and film application can be carried out. Printing can print various patterns and characters on the surface of plates, enhancing their aesthetic appeal and distinctiveness. Spray painting can change the color of the board and at the same time play a certain protective role. For film application, different materials and effects of films can be chosen, such as wood grain film, stone grain film, high-gloss film, etc., to endow PVC sheets with more diverse appearance effects. ​

(2) Maintenance key points

Cleaning: The surface of PVC sheets is generally easy to clean. On a daily basis, you can wipe it with a damp cloth to remove dust, stains, etc. on the surface. For more stubborn stains, a mild cleaner can be used, but avoid using cleaners containing strong acids or strong alkalis to prevent damage to the surface of the board. ​

Avoid direct sunlight: Although PVC sheets have a certain degree of weather resistance, long-term exposure to the sun may still cause them to age and fade. Therefore, when used outdoors, try to avoid the PVC Sheet being directly exposed to strong sunlight for a long time. Appropriate shading measures can be taken, such as installing sunshades. ​

Preventing collision: Although hard PVC sheets have a certain degree of strength, they may still suffer damage such as cracking and indentation when subjected to severe impacts. During use and handling, it is necessary to avoid the PVC Sheet from colliding with sharp objects or heavy objects and provide proper protection for it.
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Regular inspection: For PVC Sheet products that have been used for a long time, such as PVC doors and Windows and exterior wall panels in buildings, regular inspections should be carried out to check for any deformation, cracking, loosening or other conditions. If any problems are found, timely repair or replacement should be carried out to ensure its normal use and safety. ​