Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is an amorphous engineering thermoplastic. Hard and brittle, it only becomes soft, ductile and suitable for technical applications by the addition of softening agents and stabilizers.
Surface energy and contact angle
The adhesion improvement of polyvinyl chloride during bonding and printing can be achieved by plasma activation. PVC has a surface energy of 39mN/m. However, bleeding out plasticizers on the surface are problematic, as they also subsequently impair a previously perfect adhesion.
| Material: Polyvinyl chloride | Surface energy | Contact angle H2O |
| Untreated | 37,0 mN/m | 84,0° |
| 5 minutes after plasma treatment | 60,0 mN/m | 47,0° |
| 1 hour after plasma treatment | 60,0 mN/m | 48,0° |
| 2 hours after plasma treatment | 60,0 mN/m | 47,5° |
| 4 hours after plasma treatment | 59,5 mN/m | 47,5° |
Application
- In the building industry, it is used mainly as a basic material for window profiles, pipes, flooring and roof panels
- PVC is also made into flame-proof cable sheathing, insulation material for electric cables, electric switch boxes and cable conduits
- PVC foil has different applications, e.g. synthetic leather or credit cards, telephone cards and other smart cards
