Materials - PVC

Material performance

PVC plastisol - the principal material used in dip moulding consists of PVC polymer suspended in a plasticiser to which is added stabilisers and pigments.

Tensile strength and elongation at break

Tests were conducted generally in accordance with the appropriate section of BS 2782. Average results were as follows:

Material grade ref.	Hardness Shore A	BF softness number	Specimen temperature MN/m2	Maximum stress at break	Percentage elongation
PDM100	55	85	23°C	9.6	473
PDM100	55	85	65°C	9.4	460
PDM102	75	45	23°C	14.1	398
PDM102	75	45	65°C	13.6	400

Tear strength

Tests were carried out at 23° C generally in accordance with BS 903.
Average results were as follows:

Material grade ref.	Hardness Shore A	BF softness number	Tear strength
PDM100	55	85	27.4
PDM102	75	45	50.6

High temperature performance

Mouldings made from plastisol soften and become more elastic with increasing temperature. We would not recommend the use of mouldings produced from general grades of plastisol at continuous temperatures above 65° C. Specialised grades such as PDM 100 HT are available and there can be used at continuous temperatures up to 90° C, with intermittent use at higher temperatures.

Electrical insulation properties

Tests were carried out in accordance with BS 2782:202A and 203A.
Average results were as follows:

Material grade ref.	Hardness Shore A	BF softness number (Ohms)	Surface resistivity (Ohm centimeter)	Volume resistivity
PDM 100	55	85	1.3 x 10 (12)	5.0 10 (10)
PDM 102	75	45	1.2 x 10 (12)	3.3 x 10 (11)

Chemical resistance

PVC dip mouldings have a generally high splash resistance to a wide range of chemical reagents. We recommend that we are advised of the environment in which the moulding is to be used in order that we can confirm the degree of compatibility and, if necessary, carry out tests.

The following table gives a general guide to the anticipated resistance of mouldings splashed with various chemicals at 20° C:

Resistant		Some attack
Acetic acid (60%)	Hydrogen peroxide	Nitric acid (70%)
Ethyl alcohol	Hydrogen peroxide	Sulphuric acid (80%)
Calcium hydroxide	Nitric acid (50%)	Degraded
Detergents	Phosphoric acid (30%)	Acetone
Glycerine	Sea water	Carbon tetrachloride
Hydrobromic acid	Sodium hydroxide	Benzene
Hydrochloric acid	Sulphuric acid (50%)	Petrol
Hydrofluoric acid	Transformer oil	Trichloroethylene

Material selection

We manufacture our own PVC plastisols and have developed a large range to suit widely differing requirements. Developments of new grades continues and, if necessary, we can enhance a particular property of a small grade.

Most grades are available in black, white and a wide range of colours. Some colours are offered as standard whilst other can be matched as required. Although many grades have a high gloss, opaque finish, some can be matt, textured, or alternatively translucent.

Your logos or other details such as operating instructions can be printed on most mouldings using highly tenacious inks.

Flame retardancy

Additives can be incorporated in all our plastisols, except food grades, to improve their resistance to flame. The specialised grades listed above include PDM 100 FR spec. UL.94-VO ).

Toxicity

Most of our plastisols are classed as non toxic. It is not possible to list the complete range of materials that can be manufacture, please consult us for further information.

Electrical covers & boots – Dip Moulding

MATERIAL	GRADE REFERENCE	HARDNESS SHORE A	BS SOFTNESS NUMBER	COLOUR AVAILABILITY	FINISH	TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Plasticised PVC- General Grades	PDM 100	55	85	Black, white, colours	Glossy or matt	General purpose flexible material. Uses include bellows and electrical insulating shrouds. Good low temperature properties
	PDM 101	65	65	Black, white, colours	Glossy or matt	Slightly stiffer material ideal for complicated ducting
	PDM 102	75	45	Black, white, colours	Glossy or matt	Most suitable for grips, end caps and sleeves
	PDM 103	85	35	Black, white, colours	Glossy or matt	Stiffer grade – used for boxes and covers
	PDM 104	45	100	Black, white, colours	Glossy	Most flexible grade available – ideal for protective boots. Good low temperatures properties.
	PDM 109	95	15	Black, limited colours	Semi-gloss	Stiffest grade available – used for pipe bends and instruments covers
Plasticised PVC – Specialised grades	PDM 100 FR Spec UL 94-VO	55	85	Black only	Glossy	Flame retardant grade of PDM 100 Underwriters Laboratories Inc. – yellow card certification
	PDM 100 FR	55	85	White colours	Glossy or matt	Flame retardant grade of PDM 100
	PDM 100 OR	55	85	Black, white, colours	Glossy	Oil retardant grade of PDM 100
	PDM 100 HT	55	85	Black, white, colours	Glossy	Continuous high temperature resistant grade of PDM 100 up to 90°C
	PDM 101 FR	65	65	Black, white, colours	Glossy or matt	Flame retardant grade of PDM 101
	PDM 101 OR	65	65	Black, white, colours	Glossy	Oil retardant grade of PDM 101
	PDM 102 FR	75	45	Black, white, colours	Glossy or matt	Flame retardant grade of PDM 102
	PDM 102 OR	75	45	Black, white, colours	Glossy	Oil retardant grade of PDM 1021
	PDM 107	55	85	White & translucent (coloured & clear)	Glossy	Flexible grade for foodstuff or medical applications
	PDM 108	75	45	Black, limited colours	Glossy	As PDM 107 but for semi-rigid mouldings