How can the rigidity of PVC pipes be improved?

PVC is the white plastic pipe commonly used for plumbing and drainage. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, and it has become a common replacement for metal piping. Its strength, durability, easy installation and low cost have made it one of the most widely used plastics in the world. PVC is a thermoplastic that is moulded into pipes, fittings, valves and other fluid-handling products.

PVC pipes are strong and fully resistant to corrosion. Red pipes are typically used for hot water and blue for cold, but the material is the same.

As a rigid plastic, PVC is used for siding, window profiles, pipes, plumbing and conduit fittings, and it is the most common insulation on electric wires. Where smoke is a major hazard, such as in tunnels, low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) cable insulation is used instead.

PVC pipes are used mainly for sewerage and agriculture. They have been in service for more than 60 years with long-lasting properties, are easy to install, and at the end of their life can be recycled back into new pipes, which makes PVC pipe systems very cost-efficient.

Improving rigidity

• Make sure the compound is well plasticised.
• Use high-quality PVC stabilizers with good lubrication. For lead systems, a lead content of 28% or more at about 2.4 to 2.8 phr is typical; Waldies recommends Ducatus® one-packs 3248, 3258 and 7305.
• Reduce other lubricants and use PE wax at about 3.0 phr.
• Keep calcium carbonate below 50% of the filler loading, using a fine grade.
• After the die, draw the pipe in two directions, longitudinally and axially.
• Use lubricants with a macromolecular structure.

For grade selection on your formulation, talk to our technical team.