Upvc Chemical Compatibility
Most of the global production of plastics today relies on ethylene (C2H4), a product of the oil and gas industry. Though PVC can be made from various hydrocarbons including coal and plant derivatives like sugar cane, it is generally classified as a petrochemical product.
The primary chain of the polymer is composed of single bonds between carbon atoms, which gives PVC its excellent chemical resistance. This characteristic is similar to other versatile plastics such as PE, PP, and PS. While some engineering plastics and specialty resins may be sensitive to acids or alkalis, PVC is noted for its superior chemical resistance and good mechanical properties. These properties, combined with a long track record of successful use, make PVC highly popular in construction applications like chemical storage tanks, plastic valves/flanges, drainage/sewage pipes, and window/door frames.
Substances containing halogens such as chlorine and fluorine, like PVC resins, offer chemical stability along with fire-retardant properties, durability, and resistance to oil and chemicals. This makes PVC double glazed windows and doors particularly versatile in addressing the varied needs of modern architecture. These products are not only prominent in new constructions but also in refurbishments, often replacing traditional materials like metals and wood.
To maintain the whiteness of PVC after many years of UV exposure, it contains titanium dioxide (TiO2) and an organic form of tin. Titanium oxide is also heavily used in paint manufacturing for pure white paints. These ingredients are expensive but essential for producing high-quality profiles.
Manufacturers who do not use enough titanium oxide and tin, or use low-quality forms, sometimes tint their windows light blue to delay yellowing. However, some profiles are purposefully laminated royal blue to match specific color preferences rather than to hide poor quality. We have several samples from different Chinese extruders that have turned yellow after UV exposure, whereas our profile for double glazed windows and doors has remained complaint-free for over a decade.
Key properties of UPVC double glazed window and door frames:
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Strong and lightweight: UPVC offers excellent abrasion resistance, is lightweight, and provides good mechanical strength and toughness, making it ideal for building and construction window and door frames.
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Easy to install: UPVC can be cut, shaped, welded, and joined in a variety of styles, accommodating architects' unique and precision design demands.
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Durable: PVC window and door frames resist weathering, rotting, chemical corrosion, shock, and abrasion, making them the preferred choice for customers with long-life, high-performance, and aesthetic needs. Studies indicate that 60% of UPVC profiles in window and door frames have a working life of over 40 years.
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Cost-effective: The physical and technical properties of UPVC window and door frames provide excellent cost-performance advantages, making double glazed window products highly competitive in price. This value is enhanced by the material's durability, lifespan, and low maintenance.
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Environmental impact: UPVC double glazed windows and doors offer excellent thermal insulation, significantly improving the energy efficiency of buildings. They require less energy and resources during production, are lighter than wood or steel, and thus reduce emissions during manufacturing and transportation. UPVC double glazed windows are durable and reduce the need for frequent replacements. They are also recyclable, and energy can be recovered through incineration if recycling is not an option. If no recovery solution is available, they can be safely deposited in landfills.
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Safe: The profile for double glazed windows and doors is a non-toxic inert polymer, meeting all international safety and health standards.
Our energy efficient double glazed windows and doors, manufactured in Sydney, embody these qualities, offering long-lasting performance and cost-effective solutions for both new and refurbished buildings.
