PVC vs uPVC - Difference and Comparison

22 Jul.,2024

 

PVC vs uPVC - Difference and Comparison

Regular PVC ( polyvinyl chloride ) is a common, strong but lightweight plastic used in construction. It is made softer and more flexible by the addition of plasticizers . If no plasticizers are added, it is known as uPVC ( unplasticized polyvinyl chloride ), rigid PVC , or vinyl siding in the U.S.

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Uses of PVC vs. uPVC

Stacked blue PVC pipes

In Construction

As a flexible plastic, PVC is used to produce a wide variety of piping. Larger PVC pipes are often used in plumbing to distribute non-potable water. PVC piping can also be used to insulate electrical cables.

uPVC is used as a replacement for wood in construction, such as in double glazed window frames and window sills and in what is known as vinyl siding in the U.S. It is a versatile material that can be manufacturered in many colors or made to look like other materials (e.g., wood). uPVC is also used instead of cast iron for certain types of heavy-duty plumbing and draining.

uPVC vs. PVC Pipes

PVC is used as a replacement for copper and aluminum pipes and is used in waste lines, irrigation systems and pool circulation systems. It is easy to cut into smaller pieces and can be fastened with glue, making it a good alternative to metal.

uPVC is used for the majority of plastic pipes in the world, as it is incredibly resistant to chemical erosion and has smoother inner walls that help to encourage water flow. It also functions well in a wide range of temperatures and operating pressures. It is incredibly strong, stiff and cost-effective, and so is often used for sewage lines and exterior drainage pipes. Even so, uPVC piping is much less common in the U.S., where PVC piping is preferred.

Neither PVC nor uPVC is used to transmit drinking water. cPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is used instead.

Windows

PVC is not used for window frames, although some manufacturers may use &#;PVC&#; to refer to their uPVC windows. Instead, uPVC is used for window frames, as it does not decompose and is weather-resistant.

uPVC will not change shape under normal weather conditions, but it can be reshaped at very high temperatures. uPVC windows are more energy-efficient than those with wooden or metal frames. Moreover, uPVC can also be used for door frames and conservatories.

This video shows how a typical uPVC window is installed:

Other Uses

Small and slender PVC pipes are sometimes found in medical equipment. PVC is also used in leather-like or waterproof clothing materials, vinyl flooring, shoes, toys, car interiors and car cables, shower curtains, and numerous other plastic products.

Because uPVC has fewer health concerns associated with it, it is found in medical and dental pieces. For example, uPVC is sometimes used for dental retainers.

Durability

Because it is designed to be softer and more flexible than many other plastics, PVC is less durable than uPVC. However, both plastics are resistant to sunlight, oxidation, and a variety of chemicals. PVC piping's ability to withstand sunlight sometimes makes it more useful than ABS pipes.

Cost

It is very cheap to manufacture many PVC and uPVC products, which is why they are so ubiquitous in a wide variety of affordable products.

PVC pipe can be bought by length or weight. The thicker the piping, the most expensive the pipe will be. Still, PVC pipe is very affordable, with many 10-foot lengths costing less than $10.00 a piece.


Safety and Risks

PVC-coated wires can form HCl fumes in a fire, which can be a health hazard. Plasticizers may leach out of PVC into the environment.

Phthalates are what allow PVC to be flexible. Some of the phthalates used in PVC have been restricted or banned over the years, and many others are being replaced with safer phthalates. Dibutyl, benzyl butyl, and DEHP are some of the more commonly banned or restricted phthalates.

To date, there are no mainstream concerns regarding the use of uPVC, which does not use phthalates or BPA.

Disposal

Neither PVC nor uPVC are biodegradable. However, uPVC is recyclable and can be reshaped into new products or pipes at very high temperatures.

References

UPVC and CPVC pipe fittings - Knowledge

UPVC and CPVC pipe fittings are two different materials, and they have many differences in material advantages, disadvantages and usage scenarios.

 

Advantage

UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) is a non-plasticized polyvinyl chloride material, which is harder and more durable than ordinary PVC pipes. UPVC pipe fittings can withstand high water pressure, chemical corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, and are usually used in household water supply, sewage pipes, drainage pipes and other applications. The biggest advantage of UPVC pipe fittings is that it does not produce toxic substances, so it is widely used in drinking water and other occasions that require hygiene and safety requirements. In addition, UPVC pipe fittings are easy to install and low maintenance costs.IFAN factory 30+ years manufacture experience support color /size customization support free sample.Welcome to consult for catalog and free samples.This is our Facebook Website:www.facebook.com

 

Shortcoming

However, UPVC pipe fittings also have some disadvantages, the first being its environmental protection. The production process of UPVC pipe fittings will produce some toxic substances, such as dichloroethylene, etc., which will affect the environment and human health. At the same time, UPVC pipe fittings cannot withstand extreme cold environments, because the toughness of the pipe will deteriorate in extremely cold temperatures.

 

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Compared

In contrast, CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is a chlorinated polyvinyl chloride material that is more heat and corrosion resistant than UPVC pipe fittings. CPVC pipe fittings can withstand high temperature and high pressure, so they are widely used in the transportation of hot water, chemicals, acidic solutions and other media. CPVC pipe fittings are also better than UPVC pipe fittings in terms of fire resistance, and can withstand long-term sunlight, so they can also be used in outdoor water pipes, HVAC pipes, etc.

 

The disadvantage of CPVC pipe fittings is relatively high cost and complicated installation process, and it is also very confusing to install in environments with high humidity or too much dust.

 

Application Scenario

Based on the above advantages, disadvantages and characteristics, the application scenarios of UPVC and CPVC pipe fittings are also different. UPVC pipe fittings are suitable for water supply, sewage discharge and building drainage systems in households; while CPVC pipe fittings are suitable for engineering, industrial pipelines and the transportation of high temperature and high pressure fluids.

 

In short, UPVC and CPVC pipe fittings are different in terms of material characteristics, uses, effects and costs. The choice of which pipe fittings needs to be evaluated and compared with actual needs in order to achieve the best results.

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