You have probably heard of vinyl records, even if it was only in the middle of your grandparents’ conversations. But what you might not know is how versatile this material is. Vinyl was originally discovered in 1835, but there was no practical use for it till 1926, when Waldo Semon discovered its durable properties and realized it could be used as an alternative to naturally occurring rubber.
Since then, vinyl or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) has been used all over the world for a myriad of different reasons. In this article, we will discuss why vinyl is one of the most versatile materials out there and how you use it every day, even if you don’t know it.
Vinyl Records
No article regarding vinyl can exist without at least mentioning vinyl records. They are a great way to preserve music on account of them being made from PVC, a durable material that can be played on a turntable.
Despite being completely outdated as a piece of technology, vinyl is making a comeback. The Irish Times quotes Stephen Fitzgerald, the CEO of Golden Discs, that they have seen steady growth over the past 7-8 years and their fastest growing customer base is teenagers. They come in and buy records their parents would have listened to, and the main reason behind it is their love of old things.
Vinyl records are also easy to store in compact spaces because they don’t come in boxes like CDs and DVDs. This makes them great for those who don’t have much room in their homes or offices but still want access to music whenever they want it!
Dialysis Equipment
As the name suggests, dialysis equipment filters waste products from the blood. It is absolutely essential for people with serious kidney troubles. The tubing used in this process must withstand pressure while being flexible enough to bend and move through a person’s body. It also has to be sterilized as well as resistant to kinking or twisting.
Vinyl is a great material for these purposes because it can stand up against repeated sterilization cycles without cracking or becoming brittle. The same qualities that make vinyl ideal for this application also make it ideal for use in other medical applications such as IV bags, catheters, and surgical gloves.
National Library of Medicine also reports that the use of Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVAL) dialyzers can reduce protein oxidation compared to conventional dialyzers, in turn reducing cardiovascular complications among hemodialysis patients.
Flooring
Vinyl flooring is often used for flooring. This material can be found in a number of different styles and colors, allowing you to create a look that fits your home’s decor. Vinyl flooring is trendy because it is durable, easy to care for, and affordable.
Vinyl flooring is also easy to install, making it a good choice for DIYers. If you choose to go with vinyl tiles instead of sheets, you can get the entire thing done in very little time and without having to replace the old flooring that you had in place. If, after reading this, the only question going through your mind is, ‘where can I find vinyl shops near me?’, the only thing you need to do is Google.
Car Floor Mats
Vinyl floor mats are the perfect choice for a cheap, durable mat that you can clean easily. Vinyl is a good insulator and helps keep your car cool in the summer. It’s also easy to install and remove, so it’s great if you need to take out your floor mats when they get dirty or wet, for example, when washing your car.
Sliding Window Frame
By now, you know that vinyl is an incredibly versatile material. When you’re looking to make a new window frame, there’s a lot of vinyl to choose from. Vinyl is easy to clean, resistant to UV rays, and easy to install without any professional help.
Because of its versatility and durability, vinyl is a great option for use as a window frame. Forbes reports that Vinyl window frames are scratch-free, climate resistant, and can last for decades with only basic maintenance.
Vinyl is a versatile material that has many uses. From music to household applications, all the way to medical equipment, vinyl has been used in a variety of ways, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With so many different ways to use vinyl, you could even say that the possibilities are endless.
