The history of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Hose Pipe

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was discovered in the late nineteenth century. Scientists at that time found the new plastic material unusual in that it appeared nearly inert to most chemicals. However, it was soon discovered that the material was resistant to change, and it was concluded that the material could not be easily formed or processed into usable applications.

In the 1920s, scientific curiosity again brought polyvinyl chloride to public attention. In Europe and America, extended efforts eventually brought PVC plastics to the modern world. Technology, worldwide and particularly in Germany, slowly evolved for the use of PVC in its unplasticized, rigid form, which today is used in the production of a great many extruded and molded products. In the mid-1930s, German scientists and engineers developed and produced limited quantities of PVC pipe. Some PVC pipes installed at that time continue to provide satisfactory service today. Molecularly oriented polyvinyl chloride (PVCO) pressure pipe has been installed in Europe since the early 1970s and in North America since 1991.

Polyvinyl chloride pipe and fabricated fittings derive properties and characteristics from the properties of their raw material components. Essentially, PVC pipe and fabricated fittings are manufactured from PVC extrusion compounds. Injection-molded fittings use slightly different molding compounds. PVCO is manufactured from conventional PVC extrusion compounds. The following summary of the material prop- parties for these compounds provides a solid foundation for an understanding and appreciation of PVC pipe properties.

Polyvinyl chloride resin, the basic building block of PVC pipe, is a polymer derived from natural gas or petroleum, saltwater, and air. PVC resin, produced by any of the common manufacturing processes (bulk, suspension, or emulsion), is combined with heat stabilizers, lubricants, and other ingredients to make PVC compounds that can be extruded into the pipe or molded into fittings.