The main difference between UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) lies in their composition, physical properties, and intended applications. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
1. Composition
- PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride is a polymer made from vinyl chloride monomers. It is often plasticized with additives (plasticizers) to make it more flexible and suitable for a variety of applications, such as plumbing pipes, flooring, electrical cables, and synthetic leather.
- UPVC: Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride is essentially PVC without the addition of plasticizers. As a result, UPVC is much more rigid and durable compared to regular PVC. It’s also known as rigid PVC.
2. Flexibility
- PVC: Due to the addition of plasticizers, PVC is more flexible and can be bent or molded easily. This makes it suitable for applications like flexible tubing, cables, and certain types of piping.
- UPVC: UPVC is rigid and does not bend easily. This makes it ideal for applications that require a stronger, more durable material, such as plumbing pipes, windows, and doors.
3. Durability and Strength
- PVC: The addition of plasticizers makes PVC less rigid, which also reduces its mechanical strength and makes it more prone to damage under stress. It can degrade over time, especially under UV exposure or extreme temperatures.
- UPVC: Since UPVC lacks plasticizers, it is stronger, more durable, and resistant to wear and tear. It also has better resistance to UV radiation, making it suitable for outdoor use without degrading as quickly as PVC.
4. Chemical Resistance
- Both PVC and UPVC have good resistance to many chemicals like acids, alkalis, and salts, but UPVC tends to perform better in harsh environments due to its rigidity and stability.
- PVC can be used in applications where flexibility is more important than resistance to harsh chemicals, while UPVC is preferred in applications where strength and chemical resistance are critical.
5. Applications
- PVC: Used for flexible applications like electrical wiring, flexible tubing, shower curtains, flooring, and inflatable products. It is also used in lightweight piping systems for low-pressure applications.
- UPVC: Primarily used in rigid applications such as piping systems (especially for water supply, drainage, and sewage), windows, doors, and roofing materials. UPVC is the material of choice for pressure pipes, window frames, and drainage systems because of its high mechanical strength.
Summary of Key Differences:
| Property | PVC | UPVC |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | More flexible due to plasticizers | Rigid, no plasticizers |
| Durability | Less durable, prone to wear and tear | More durable and long-lasting |
| UV Resistance | Can degrade with UV exposure | UV-resistant, suitable for outdoor use |
| Strength | Less strong, can bend or break easily | Strong and resistant to mechanical stress |
| Applications | Flexible tubing, flooring, cables | Rigid pipes, windows, doors, roofing |
| Cost | Lower cost | Higher cost |
| Chemical Resistance | Good resistance to most chemicals | Better overall resistance to chemicals |
Conclusion:
- PVC is ideal for flexible applications where strength is not a top priority, and where lower costs are a consideration.
- UPVC is suited for rigid applications that require durability, strength, and resistance to UV and harsh chemicals, making it ideal for plumbing, construction, and outdoor systems.
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BS 3505、BS 4346（801），ASTM D1785 SCH40（802）、ASTM D1785 SCH80（803）、DIN（804），GB（805）,GB（806）,
GB(901)，DWV(902)，ASTM D2665（903)
