When it comes to choosing plastic for various applications, both polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are popular options. They have different characteristics, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each before making a decision. On this page, we’ll take a closer look at both items and help you decide which one is right for your needs.

Similarities:

Polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) have several similarities. Both items are highly durable and resistant to damage, which makes them well-suited for a variety of applications. Additionally, both PU and PVC have exceptional resistance to heat, making them ideal for uses that require frequent contact with extreme temperatures.

Both PU and PVC also possess good insulation properties, providing effective protection against the transfer of heat or sound waves through walls or other structures. Furthermore, when it comes to outdoor use, both PU and PVC are extremely weather-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor furniture and structure components. They provide strong protection from UV rays, rainwater, snow, wind, dust, and other environmental conditions that can damage weaker materials over time.

In terms of their chemical makeup, PU and PVC share many similarities as well. Both materials consist of carbon-based molecules that form long chains in their respective polymers. These linkages make them kink-resistant and abrasion-resistant, giving the material strength and flexibility while maintaining its lightweight properties. In addition to being chemical cousins on the molecular level, PU and PVC also have similar chemical makeups at the atomic level; they both contain chlorine atoms as part of their molecular structure.

Overall, it is easy to see why these two materials are so popular when it comes to constructing objects that need a combination of strength, durability, and insulation properties at once – they offer a great solution!

Difference:

The primary difference between PU (Polyurethane) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is their physical properties. PU is a type of plastic that is soft, flexible and has excellent tear resistance. It is often used in clothing, furniture, and automotive interiors because of these properties. On the other hand, PVC is a hard, rigid plastic often used for pipes and as a protective coating for electrical wires. It has excellent electrical insulation properties and chemical resistance but lacks oil resistance and tear resistance.

In terms of cost, PU tends to be more expensive than PVC because it requires additional processing steps for manufacturing and its raw materials are generally more expensive. However, this does not mean that PU should always be considered the higher-quality option; it simply means it will usually have a higher price tag associated with it.

When it comes to environmental friendliness, PVC has been criticized due to its chlorine content which can lead to hazardous byproducts when produced or disposed of improperly. This has led many manufacturers to switch to using non-chlorinated thermoplastics such as PU instead of PVC to reduce their environmental footprint.

Specifically, regarding durability, both PU and PVC are known for their excellent performance in wear tests – though once again they differ by application: while PU will perform better in applications requiring high levels of flexing or folding (such as furniture upholstery), PVC will outperform PU in applications where abrasion resistance is paramount (such as automotive wiring harnesses).

Finally, another key difference between the two materials relates to fire safety: although both possess self-extinguishing properties when exposed to a flame source, PU plastics tend to give off less smoke compared to PVC when burned under similar conditions – making them preferable from an indoor air quality perspective.