Definition
A synthetic plastic polymer made from vinyl chloride monomers, used in aircraft for items such as electrical wire insulation, tubing, hoses, interior trim, and protective coatings. It is durable, lightweight, resistant to moisture and many chemicals, and can be made flexible or rigid depending on additives.
Plain English
A common type of plastic, often called PVC, used in aircraft for things like wire coverings, tubing, and interior parts because it is tough, light, and resists water and chemicals.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft materials, plastics, tubing, coverings, and electrical-insulation discussions in maintenance manuals and parts specifications.
Derivation
From 'poly-' (Greek, many), 'vinyl' (a chemical group derived from ethylene), and 'chloride' (a compound containing chlorine). The name describes a long chain made up of many vinyl chloride units linked together.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing what PVC is helps maintenance technicians recognize where it is used, how to handle it safely (it can release toxic fumes when burned), and which solvents or repair methods are compatible with it.
Intuition Check
Do not assume polyvinyl chloride means ordinary household PVC pipe. In aviation, it means the specific PVC material used only where the aircraft data approves it.
Example Sentence 1
The technician replaced a section of cracked polyvinyl chloride tubing in the cabin drain line.
Example Sentence 2
Polyvinyl chloride tubing carried the pitot-static lines through the wing root.