PVC Pipe Fittings; Important To The Modern World

PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride must be one of the most widely used thermoplastic polymers in the world. In all manner of industries it is used for its high levels of durability and of course the price. It is in construction where PVC pipes and pipe fittings are used most extensively for the creation of plumbing systems. PVC however, despite being with us for almost a century has only been available in its current guise for around half that time. The original PVC was first developed by the B.F. Goodrich Company, this work however was extremely limited, PVC at this stage was a brittle and unworkable material, nothing like the malleable and versatile material we use today.

B.F Goodrich however was instrumental in introducing PVC to the world. His work combined plasticizing agents with vinyl making a new, usable material. It was through the combination of plastic and vinyl that a large number of uses grew for this wonder material. It was not just its versatility however, due to its strength and durability, the construction industry jumped on PVC as the material of choice for modern water and drainage systems. In the past copper had been used for plumbing, this however was expensive and prone to rupture and as such was ripe for replacement by a more modern and more affordable material; PVC filled this gap perfectly.

However, even after this original work by Goodrich, the material was not used for pipe and pipe fittings due to restrictions in manufacturing processes. The first uses for the material were strangely realised by the motoring rather than the construction industry. PVC was used for the tread on tyres for many years as it lasted a great deal of time, although the grip created was not fantastic. Tyre manufacture however was revolutionised by the vulcanisation process and rubber eventually became the material of choice in the motoring industry.

At this time however a new manufacturing process allowed PVC to be formed into pipe and pipe fittings. This new process involved stretching the polyvinyl chloride into long cylindrical tubes and hence the pipe, and later pipe fittings were born. The chemical properties of the material, its high resistance to water and chemicals as well as its long term durability were soon realised and it was from this point onwards that the construction industry adopted it as the material of choice in the sphere of plumbing and drainage.

The low absorption properties are a result of the smooth surface of plastic pipe and pipe fittings. This is perfect for water conveyance as with such a smooth surface it is extremely difficult for bacteria to latch onto the sides of the pipe. Additionally the strength of the material is also a major benefit over materials such as copper. PVC is strong yet flexible meaning that even in earthquakes it can withstand movement and will not be prone to rupture as easily as metals. Despite these strengths there is one weakness to PVC pipe and pipe fittings, they should not be left out in the sun as direct heat tends to warp them as does storing them on uneven surfaces. Once installed however these problems are effectively negated.

Even with these minor problems PVC pipe and pipe fittings are used today in the construction industry all over the world. It is down to the work of B.F. Goodrich that we have this wonder material that allows for complex and hard wearing plumbing systems to be constructed. We may not see the array of pipes and fittings everyday, but they are an important element in the modern world.

Culture and society expert Thomas Pretty looks into the effect that PVC pipe fittings have had on the world of construction.

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