Hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC), also known as rigid PVC, is a type of thermoplastic polymer that is characterized by its stiff and durable properties. It is a variant of PVC that has been processed to maintain its rigid structure. Here are the key features and applications of hard PVC:

Key Features:

1. Rigidity: Hard PVC exhibits high rigidity and stiffness, making it suitable for applications requiring structural integrity and dimensional stability.

2. Impact Resistance: Despite its rigidity, hard PVC offers good impact resistance, allowing it to withstand mechanical stresses and impacts without cracking or breaking.

3. Chemical Resistance: Hard PVC has excellent resistance to many chemicals, acids, bases, and salts, making it suitable for use in corrosive environments.

4. Weather Resistance: It exhibits good weather resistance, UV stability, and outdoor durability, making it suitable for outdoor applications without significant degradation.

5. Fire Resistance: Hard PVC can be formulated to meet fire safety standards and regulations, making it suitable for applications where fire resistance is required.

6. Ease of Fabrication: Hard PVC can be easily machined, cut, drilled, and fabricated using common plastic processing techniques such as cutting, routing, milling, and thermoforming.

7. Recyclability: While PVC is not as easily recyclable as some other plastics, hard PVC can still be recycled and processed into new products through recycling processes.

Applications:

1. Construction: Hard PVC is widely used in construction applications such as window profiles, door frames, siding, roofing sheets, gutters, and pipes due to its rigidity, weather resistance, and durability.

2. Piping Systems: It finds applications in piping systems for water distribution, drainage, and sewerage due to its corrosion resistance, smooth interior surface, and long service life.

3. Electrical: Hard PVC is used in electrical conduits, cable trays, junction boxes, and electrical enclosures due to its electrical insulation properties, flame retardancy, and durability.

4. Automotive: Hard PVC is used in automotive applications such as interior trim, dashboard components, door panels, and under-the-hood parts due to its rigidity, impact resistance, and weather resistance.

5. Furniture: It finds applications in furniture manufacturing for producing rigid components such as chair frames, table legs, cabinet doors, and decorative trims due to its durability and dimensional stability.

6. Signage and Displays: Hard PVC is used in signage, displays, and point-of-purchase (POP) materials due to its rigidity, smooth surface for printing, and weather resistance.

7. Industrial Applications: Hard PVC is used in various industrial applications such as machine guards, equipment housings, protective covers, and industrial panels due to its strength, chemical resistance, and ease of fabrication.

Overall, hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a versatile engineering plastic with a wide range of applications across industries, offering a combination of rigidity, impact resistance, chemical resistance, and weather resistance. Its diverse properties make it suitable for various applications where durability, weather resistance, and structural integrity are essential.