CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is a strong, durable thermoplastic produced by the post-chlorination of polyvinyl chloride resin. Originally developed by Lubrizol Advanced Materials, CPVC can be formed into products that have excellent chemical resistance, can withstand high temperatures and pressure, are weatherproof, and offer high chlorine and biofilm resistance.
Potable Water Compatibility
CPVC is a material of choice for the manufacture of potable water piping. It is compliant with ASTM standards and is approved by public health agencies including NSF International, le Laboratoire d’Eau de Paris and the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme.
Chlorine and Biofilm Resistance
Products made from CPVC are unaffected by chlorine or chlorine dioxide. CPVC piping is not affected by extensive exposure to chlorinated water flows. Multiple international studies have shown that CPVC consistently outperforms copper and other plastic piping (particularly polypropylene) when it come to resisting the formation of potentially harmful biofilms.
Fire Performance
When exposed to fire, CPVC provides excellent safety performance.
CPVC is self-extinguishing and has high ignition resistance: its flash ignition temperature is 482oC, compared to wood, which ignites at 260oC or less. It has a limiting oxygen index of 60, meaning that it requires a 60% concentration of oxygen before it will combust. Air contains only 21% oxygen.
CPVC does not support combustion and will resist fire and smoke propagation. When tested against the UL94 plastics flammability standard, TempRite® Engineered Materials CPVC achieves the highest ratings available of V-0, 5VB and 5VA.
Weatherability and Heat Resistance
Products made from CPVC have excellent weatherability and are resistant to sunlight and UV radiation. They can also be painted or coated with a cap layer to provide additional protection. They offer resistance to distortion or deformation when exposed to high ambient temperatures.
Recyclability
CPVC can be both downcycled and recycled. Many local protocols allow for CPVC to be integrated with PVC streams to allow for recycling.
