Properties of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used thermoplastic polymer derived from vinyl chloride monomers. Known for its strength, chemical resistance, and affordability, PVC finds extensive application across construction, automotive, healthcare, and industrial sectors.

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The following table provides a comprehensive list of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

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Table of Polyvinyl Chloride Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
CategoryThermoplastic
Density1160 - 1550 kg/m3
Water Absorption0.15 - 1 %wt/day
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Ultimate Tensile Strength7 - 27 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)2.1 - 2.7 GPa
Flexural Modulus1 GPa
Elongation at Break4.5 - 65%
Shore Hardness (D)65 - 85
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point212 °C
Thermal Conductivity0.167 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)1674 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)6×10-5 - 7×10-5 1/°C
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)81 - 87 °C
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Relative Permittivity (@1 MHz) (εr)2.9 - 3.6
Electrical Resistivity1016 Ω·cm
Dielectric Field Strength (Ed)160 - 590 kV/cm
Optical PropertiesMetric
Refractive Index (589 nm)1.54
Hazardous DataMetric
Flammability Rating (ANSI/UL 94)Self extinguishable

Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017. 3) A.M. Howatson, P.G. Lun, J.D. Todd, P.D. Engineering Tables and Data. United Kingdom: University of Oxford, Department of Engineering Science, 2009.