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The Extensive Applications of PVC

• posted by Jamie Lyons on Monday, 26 April 2010 07:28
PVC is without doubt one of the most diversely used and useful types of plastic in modern manufacture. With applications spanning industries from industrial manufacture to agricultural and even food production, PVC is a material which lends itself to an incredible number of different uses. Thanks to its durability, flexibility and chemical resistance, polyvinyl chloride is found in clothing, flooring, inflatable structures, hosing and strip curtains alongside hundreds if not thousands of other items.

When used in clothing, the main strengths of PVC are its relatively low price in comparison to leather, rubber and latex, the fact that it is waterproof and that when suitably treated it very closely resembles leather. Due to these properties, the polymer is regularly found in jackets, bags, shoes and aprons. Despite the popularity of PVC clothing it is by no means the fashion industry which makes the most use of this popular material, that accolade falls to the manufacturing industry, which relies on PVC items for a number of roles.

PVC strip curtains are an absolute essential in any manufacturing or storage environment which requires closely controlled temperatures, containment of airborne particles or protection from pests. It is particularly useful in locations which experience a high level of motorised or pedestrian traffic and also helps to improve energy efficiency by making a positive impact on heat loss. Due to this series of useful traits and the low cost of PVC strip curtains, they are an ever popular addition to the majority of storage facilities- particularly those which are chilled for such purposes as food storage.

Of equal prevalence in industrial settings is PVC hose. This simple, unassuming item is used for myriad purposes, including but not limited to:

Water and fluid handling
Hydraulics
Food handling
Beverage lines
Coolant lines
Crop spraying
Chemical transfer

Due particularly to PVC’s chemical resilience, low cost and flexibility, PVC hose is incredibly versatile and widely used in a great number of processes and manufacturing techniques. It is equally adept at fulfilling sanitation and suction purposes in the home or business environment and as such is produced in vast quantities to satisfy the worldwide demand. As it does not corrode, is waterproof and with the use of plasticizers: is incredibly flexible, PVC hose is invaluable in all manner of plumbing applications, alongside its numerous other uses.

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An Introduction to PVC Strip Curtains

• posted by Jamie Lyons on Thursday, 18 February 2010 08:21

PVC strip curtains are widely used in industrial and commercial applications. Their affordability, versatility and simplicity mean that although not quite at the cutting edge of technology, their usefulness cannot be played down.


What Are PVC Strip Curtains?

PVC is short for Polyvinyl chloride, which is a thermoplastic polymer derived from hydrogen and chlorine. As the final product is 57% chlorine, the manufacture of PVC uses less petroleum than that of most plastics. PVC in it’s rawest state is relatively stiff and brittle, as such, when used in such items as strip curtains; which demand flexibility; plasticizers are added. In addition to plasticizers, other additives such as UV barriers, pigments and flame retardants can be used to grant the material further beneficial properties. Even without specific additives, PVC is biologically and chemically resistant. As such, PVC strip curtains are ideal in environments in which they may come into contact with substances which are damaging to other plastics and metals.

In terms of the curtains themselves, they simply consist of strips of PVC material attached to a rugged rail. Strips are available in varying widths and lengths to suit different applications and can be used over small or large apertures.

Where Are PVC Strip Curtains Commonly Used?


PVC strip curtains are most prevalent in environments which feature high levels of pedestrian or motor traffic. Whilst they allow easy thoroughfare they also prevent excessive heat from being lost. They are equally useful in conjunction with chilled display cabinets or catering refrigeration units as they prevent temperature changes whilst allowing full visibility due to their transparency. Aside from the insulation benefits, PVC curtains also lower the risk of contamination of produce due to airborne pathogens and contain fumes and toxic particles in situations which necessitate their creation.

Major Benefits

As well as allowing easy passage, insulating and preventing contamination, PVC strip curtains also aid in energy efficiency. By minimising heat loss or temperature rises, they drastically impact upon excessive electricity consumption in temperature regulated areas. As a consequence of this, they help reduce a company or individual’s carbon footprint when appropriately implemented whilst also lowering fuel bills and improving energy efficiency.

To summarise, despite their simplicity, PVC strip curtains facilitate not only more efficient use of resources, but also provide solutions to problems which would otherwise have been addressed using more costly means. Their multitudinous benefits and applications make them an incredibly versatile tool in a wide-ranging array of situations and environments.

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