Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer made from the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers. It is the world's third-most widely produced plastic polymer after polyethylene and polypropylene
. PVC appears as a white, brittle solid in its pure form and can be processed into two main types: rigid (unplasticized PVC or uPVC) and flexible (plasticized PVC)
Key Characteristics of PVC:
- Durable, lightweight, and strong
- Chemical and weather resistant
- Fire resistant with excellent insulating properties
- Can be made flexible by adding plasticizers, which lower crystallinity and increase softness and clarity
- Thermoplastic, meaning it can be heated and reshaped without chemical change
Common Uses:
- Construction: pipes, window and door profiles, roofing sheets, linings for tunnels and reservoirs
- Electrical: cable insulation and sheathing
- Medical devices: blood bags, transfusion tubes, surgical gloves
- Packaging: bottles, food containers, labels
- Automotive parts: cables, coatings, interior trims
- Leisure products: garden hoses, inflatable pools, footwear
PVC is valued for its versatility, low cost, and ability to replace traditional materials like wood, metal, and rubber in many applications
. It was first unintentionally synthesized in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann and later developed into commercial products after plasticization techniques were discovered in the 1920s
. In summary, PVC is a widely used, versatile plastic polymer with both rigid and flexible forms, utilized extensively across industries due to its durability, affordability, and adaptability.
