Flexible vinyl extrusions are widely used due to their versatility and ease of processing.
Advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Significantly lower raw material and processing costs compared to standard thermoset rubbers.
- Chemical & Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, salts, and oils, making it ideal for harsh chemical environments.
- Weather & UV Resistance: Holds up exceptionally well to direct sunlight, ozone exposure, and general outdoor weathering.
- Design & Aesthetic Flexibility: Easily colored, clear/transparent formulations available.
Limitations
- Temperature Sensitivity: Becomes brittle at freezing temperatures and softens/loses structural integrity at temperatures above 140°F.
- Plasticizer Migration: Over time, added plasticizers can leach out, causing the material to harden, shrink, or become brittle.
- Compression Set: Higher permanent deformation under continuous compression loads compared to true rubbers like EPDM.
Common Applications
- Construction: Window glazing gaskets, door weatherstripping, shower door sweeps, and wall baseboard moldings.
- Industrial Tubing: Flexible fluid transfer lines, protective conduit.
- Consumer Goods: Door gaskets, outdoor furniture trim, and protective edge guards for sheet metal or sharp edges.
