How to Shatter a PVC Pipe

PVC has enough flexibility to allow coiling.

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a type of plastic commonly used to make pipes for chemical and water transport in residential and commercial buildings, as well as factory installations. It can also be used as an insulator for electrical conductors. Under normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, PVC is a somewhat flexible solid, but may split, crack, or shatter if a sufficient blow is made to it. As with most thermoplastics, PVC is more malleable at higher temperatures, and consequently, becomes brittle when subjected to the cold.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid nitrogen or compressed gas can (for dust removal)
• PVC pipe (3/4-inch diameter, 3 feet long)
• Broom (and dust pan if available)

Instructions

1. Reduce the temperature of the PVC pipe either by pouring liquid nitrogen over the pipe for several seconds or spraying with a compressed air duster, held upside-down, for a minute. In both methods, the expansion of the liquefied gas causes it to cool rapidly. Basically, the total amount of energy stays the same, but since the volume of the gas increases the energy is spread out, causing the temperature, a local property, to drop. To equalize, the gas absorbs heat from the PVC pipe, lowering its temperature in the process.

2. Drop the PVC pipe on to a hard surface, like concrete outside, or strike it with a hammer. The low temperature causes the molecules making up the plastic to have less freedom and as a result to not be able to tolerate excessive changes in positions. When the PVC is hit by a hard object, the molecules are stretched beyond their limit and a fracture occurs. The fracture propagates rapidly throughout the body of the PVC and the pipe shatters.

3. Sweep up the plastic debris with a broom, particles, and shards. PVC shatters similarly to glass and may leave sharp pieces behind. Dispose of in the trash.

Tips & Warnings

• Liquid nitrogen, and other liquefied highly compressed gases, are extremely dangerous. Brief exposure with these substances can rapidly freeze your body and cause loss of limbs or death. When working with liquid nitrogen, use only small amounts at a time to minimize exposure possibility.

• Wear safety goggles when shattering the PVC as flying debris can damage your eyes.

References

• Shodor - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Gas Laws