As an important plastic material, PVC resin is widely used in modern industry and life. This resin can be processed into various plastic products, which can be divided into soft and hard products according to their uses. They are mainly used for the production of transparent sheets, pipe fittings, gold cards, blood transfusion equipment, soft and hard pipes, plates, doors and windows, Profiles, films, electrical insulation materials, cable sheaths, blood transfusion materials, etc. The following are the specific applications of PVC resin:
(1) Construction field
- Pipes and tubes. PVC resin is often used in construction to make pipes and tubes, such as drainage pipes. This is due to its excellent aging resistance, high impact strength and toughness, and relatively low price. PVC pipes account for about 20% of the total consumption of PVC in the construction field.
- Door and window frames. PVC profiles are the largest area of PVC consumption in my country, accounting for about 25% of the total PVC consumption, and are mainly used to make doors and windows and energy-saving materials.
- Floor materials, wall coverings, roofing materials, etc. PVC resin is also used to make floor materials, wall coverings and roofing materials.
(2) Packaging field
The polyvinyl chloride resin can be processed into transparent films with excellent barrier properties and gloss, effectively protecting contents from moisture, dust, and other external influences. It is commonly used for packaging food, medicine, cosmetics, and other products. PVC rigid sheets can also be thermoformed into various packaging containers, such as blister packs, for electronic components and small hardware. These containers not only display the product but also secure and protect it.
(3) Electrical and Electronics
This resin is widely used in the electrical and electronics sector due to its excellent insulating properties. It can be used to make insulation and jacketing for wires and cables, effectively preventing current leakage and damage from external factors, ensuring safe and stable power transmission. PVC resin can also be used to produce various electronic component casings, sockets, switches, and other components. Its excellent mechanical properties and processing characteristics meet the requirements of electronic equipment components.
(4) Automotive Industry
PVC resin also has numerous applications in the automotive industry. It can be used to make automotive interior components such as dashboards, door trims, and seat covers. PVC material not only meets the aesthetic and comfort requirements of automotive interiors, but also offers certain wear and aging resistance. Besides, PVC resin can also be used to produce seals and hoses, providing sealing and fluid transport in oil and water systems.
(5) Medical Industry
Medical-grade PVC resin has specific applications in the medical industry. It can be made into medical supplies such as IV tubing, blood bags, and urinary catheters. These products are non-toxic, chemically resistant, and easily sterilizable, meeting the stringent requirements of medical hygiene.
(5) Other Fields
Of course, polyvinyl chloride resin has many other uses. In agriculture, it can be made into agricultural film for covering farmland, providing insulation, moisture retention, and promoting crop growth. In the toy industry, PVC resin can be made into a variety of toys through processes such as injection molding. These toys are brightly colored, have a pleasant feel, and are relatively affordable. In the consumer goods sector, PVC resin can be used to make rain boots, handbags, luggage, and other items to meet people’s daily needs.
From a raw material perspective, if polyvinyl chloride resin is produced using ethylene as a raw material, fluctuations in international crude oil prices have a significant impact. When crude oil prices rise, ethylene costs increase, and PVC resin production costs rise, driving up prices. When using the calcium carbide method, fluctuations in the prices of raw materials like coal affect calcium carbide prices, which in turn influences PVC resin costs and prices. Market supply and demand are also key factors. When demand for PVC resin is strong in downstream industries like construction and packaging, while supply is relatively insufficient, prices rise. Conversely, when market capacity is excessive and demand is weak, prices face downward pressure.
For example, during a construction industry downturn, demand for PVC door and window profiles, pipes, and fittings decreases, suppressing PVC resin prices. Macroeconomic conditions and policies and regulations also play a role. During economic booms, various industries expand, increasing demand for PVC resin and driving up prices. Stricter environmental protection policies require companies to invest more in environmental protection, potentially leading to price increases. Trade policy adjustments, such as changes in import and export tariffs, can also alter polyvinyl chloride resin import and export volumes, impacting domestic market supply, demand, and prices.