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Whether we’re discussing the music playing device or your deck flooring, vinyl is a curious and versatile substance with an unexpected history. As you look for vinyl decking in Orange County, consider this brief history of this chameleon-like substance. Glue Making A scientist in the 1920s was doing little experiments attempting to make a synthetic adhesive. His name was Waldo Semon, and it was during his experiments that he discovered polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. He liked using it to make golf balls and shoe heels. Soon after its discovery, it was used to insulate wires and raincoats, even in shower curtains. It was an incredibly versatile plastic from the start. Do Your Part: WWII Manufacturing took a war-focused turn in the 1940s across industry, and the same was true of vinyl. It was manufactured for coating the wires on military ships instead of rubber, which was much more scarce a material at the time. Vinyl’s success in being a material that successfully insulated against electricity and heat opened a lot of doors for its commercial use after the war was over. This was also the age when the selfsame polyvinyl chloride was being used to manufacture records for playing and listening to music—hence the nickname “vinyl” for records. Boots for Walking During the 1950s and 1960s, a vinyl latex was produced and converted into boots and fabric coating. It was also used to make inflatable structures like bounce houses. During this time, vinyl as a material was developed and adapted for use in the construction trade. Once the 1970s hit, PVC piping was being used in construction for transporting all manner of chemicals and corrosive materials, and began being used in home and building construction. Reigning Glory As far as plastics go in the global market, vinyl is second in the world for the most used. From music to home functionality, electronics to clothing, vinyl is an incredibly versatile material that’s relatively inexpensive and exhibits high performance. These days it’s also being used in materials like food wrap and auto parts, and the industry for this plastic continues to expand. When Waldo Semon was trying to discover a manufacturing glue material, he really stumbled upon a history-impacting material when he found polyvinyl chloride. As you continue your search for vinyl decking in Orange County, be encouraged that you’re preparing to invest in an incredibly durable and damage-resistant material for your home.
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