SUBJECT: How to soften PVC to reform or shape it.
This discussion got me curious, so I did a bit of internet research and found the following info:
When they extrude PVC, the melting temperature is about 330 +/-20 F. depending on application.
However, PVC softens at relatively low temperatures. This softening occurs at about 104 degrees Celsius, or 219.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
Since water boils at 100 degrees Celsius, 212 degrees Fahrenheit under standard conditions at sea level, using boiling water (or steam) is an answer to how to heat the stuff to make it pliable enough to reshape it from a section of discarded construction site material into the shap of a cradle.
This may also lessen the likelihood of accidentally burining the material and creating bad gases and toxin release.
For your "Gee Whiz" file of perhpas useless but interesting information, you may wish to note the following:
GASES
• When you burn PVC pipes, you produce dioxins and hydrogen chloride. In addition, heated PVC can give off these dangerous gases without actually being incinerated.
CONSEQUENCES
• Exposure to dioxins can lead to cancer and damage your immune system and reproductive system. Hydrogen chloride gas is a corrosive gas that can damage your respiratory system and cause skin burns.
Read more:
http://www.ehow.com/facts_7687006_there-gases-heating-pvc-pipes.html#ixzz2e7FJAsYYOne should easily realize that all things can be dangerous, one way or the other.
For example we know that we shouldn't breath smoke or noxious fumes from gasoline, smoke, cleaning solutions or other chemical. However, many of those same folks find it acceptible to smoke tobacco, work with and sand fiberglass, and get drunk on the weekends and think it is not only acceptable but great.
It that ironic or what???
