Rigid PVC
Rigid PVC — often called PVC-U or uPVC — is unplasticised polyvinyl chloride formulated for stiffness, chemical resistance and outdoor durability. It dominates cold-water pipe, drainage (DWV), window profiles, cladding and rigid sheet. This page collects its physical, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties alongside the leading commercial grades and manufacturers.
What to look for
- Density: 1.30–1.45 g/cm³
- Tensile strength: 45–60 MPa
- HDT: 60–70 °C — the practical service-temperature ceiling
- Excellent chemical resistance to acids, bases and salts
- Inherently flame-retardant (UL 94 V-0 in many grades)
- Chlorine content ~57 % — recyclable but requires separate stream
Top materials for rigid pvc
- #1PolycarbonatePolycarbonate
A transparent, high-impact engineering plastic used in glazing, electronics and safety equipment.
- #2HDPEHigh-Density Polyethylene
A rigid, chemical-resistant polyethylene used for bottles, pipes, and industrial containers.
- #3Acrylic (PMMA)Poly(methyl methacrylate)
A rigid, glass-clear thermoplastic offering excellent UV resistance and optical clarity.
- #4ASA UV ResistantAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate UV Resistant
Excellent weatherability and UV resistance, good impact strength.
- #5MDPE Pipe GradeMedium-Density Polyethylene Pipe Grade
Good rigidity and stress crack resistance for pipe applications.
- #6PVC Rigid PipeRigid Polyvinyl Chloride for Pipe Applications
Durable, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective for water and drainage pipes.
- #7PVC Flexible CableFlexible Polyvinyl Chloride for Cable Jacketing
Durable, flexible, and flame-retardant for electrical cable insulation and jacketing.
- #8CPVC Hot Water PipeChlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride for Hot Water Piping
Higher temperature and pressure rating than PVC for hot water systems.
- #9EVA Low VA FilmEthylene Vinyl Acetate (Low VA) for Film Applications
Flexible, tough, and low temperature sealable film with improved clarity over LDPE.
- #10EVA Med VA InjectionEthylene Vinyl Acetate (Medium VA) for Injection Molding
Elastic, tough, and soft material for shoe soles, gaskets, and flexible parts.
- #11EVA High VA HotmeltEthylene Vinyl Acetate (High VA) for Hot Melt Adhesives
Adhesive polymer with excellent tack and flexibility for bonding applications.
- #12EVOH 44 mol% BarrierEthylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (44 mol% VA) for Barrier Applications
Superior gas barrier properties, excellent melt strength for demanding packaging.
- #13General Purpose High-Temperature Vulcanizing SiliconeHigh-Temperature Vulcanizing (HTV) Silicone Rubber
A peroxide or platinum-cured silicone rubber processed via extrusion, molding, or calendering at elevated temperatures.
- #14Automotive Sealing Grade Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV)Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV) - Automotive Sealing Grade
A TPV engineered for optimal compression set and resistance to automotive fluids and weathering, ideal for seals and gaskets.
- #15Chemical Resistant Vinyl EsterVinyl Ester Resin
Excellent chemical resistance, particularly to acids and solvents, with good mechanical properties.
- #16SMC/BMC for AutomotiveSheet Molding Compound / Bulk Molding Compound
High strength-to-weight ratio, good impact resistance, and moldability for automotive parts.
- #17Bio-PE High DensityBio-based Polyethylene, High Density
A high-density polyethylene produced from renewable sugarcane, chemically identical to conventional HDPE.
- #18PDLLA High Molecular WeightPoly(D,L-lactic acid), High Molecular Weight Grade W
An amorphous PDLLA grade with high molecular weight, offering increased strength and slower degradation for medical applications.
- #19rPVC Rigid ClearRecycled Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Clear
Clear, rigid recycled PVC for profiles and pipes.
- #20rEVA Flexible ClearRecycled Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Flexible Clear
Clear, flexible recycled EVA for film and foam applications.
Frequently asked
Rigid PVC (PVC-U) contains no plasticiser and behaves as a hard engineering thermoplastic. Flexible PVC (PVC-P) adds phthalate or non-phthalate plasticisers to lower Tg below room temperature, giving a rubber-like material for cables, hoses and flooring.
No — PVC-U is limited to ~50–60 °C continuous. Use CPVC (chlorinated PVC) for hot water up to 90 °C, or PPR / PEX for domestic hot water.
Only when compounded with TiO₂ and UV stabilisers, as it is for window profiles and outdoor cladding. Untreated PVC-U yellows and embrittles under prolonged sun.
Geon (Westlake), Vinnolit (Westlake), Vestolit, Norvinyl (Inovyn), Vinnex and Vestolit E-series cover most of the commercial rigid PVC market.