What Are PVC Plastic Sheets?

Polyvinyl chloride or PVC plastic sheets are among the most widely used types of thermoplastic polymers, along with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP).

The brittle and naturally white PVC plastics have been around far longer than most other plastics that exist today since they were synthesised back in 1872.Other plastics have only been available in the market in the 1940s or 50s.

PVCs are formed in two ways: rigid and flexible. Rigid polyvinyl chloride (RPVC), also known as unplasticised PVC is a bit harder and less pliable to bending than a flexible plastic. The latter has plasticisers that include phthalates and is commonly used as an insulation material for electrical wires or home flooring.

Meanwhile, rigid PVCs are typically used for plumbing and siding where they act as a pipe. The “schedule” of a pipe means the differences between wall thickness, colour and pressure rating.