Polymers
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is one of the most widely used polymers in the world. Due to its versatile nature, PVC is used extensively across a broad range of industrial, technical and everyday applications including widespread use in building, transport, packaging, electrical/electronic and healthcare applications.
PVC is a very durable and long lasting material which can be used in a variety of applications, either rigid or flexible, white or black and a wide range of colors in between.
The first patent for a polymerization process to manufacture PVC was granted to German inventor Friedrich Klatte in 1913 and PVC has been in commercial production since 1933. The material now accounts for about 20 of all plastic manufactured world-wide, second only to polyethylene.
The essential raw materials for PVC are derived from salt and oil. The electrolysis of salt water produces chlorine, which is combined with ethylene (obtained from oil) to form vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). Molecules of VCM are polymerized to form PVC resin, to which appropriate additives are incorporated to make a customized PVC compound.
The popular methods used to manufacture PVC commercially are:
- Suspension PVC (S-PVC)
- Emulsion PVC (E-PVC)
Properties of PVC Polymer
PVC is a very versatile and cost-effective material. Its main properties and benefits include:
- Electrical Properties: PVC is a good insulation material, thanks to its good dielectric strength.
- Durability: PVC is resistant to weathering, chemical rotting, corrosion, shock and abrasion. It is therefore the preferred choice for many long-life and outdoor products.
- Flame Retardancy: Because of its high chlorine content, PVC products are self- extinguishing. Its oxidation index is ≥45.
- Cost/Performance Ratio: PVC has good physical as well as mechanical properties and provides excellent cost-performance advantages. It has long life span and need low maintenance.
- Mechanical Properties: PVC is abrasion-resistant, lightweight and tough.
- Chemical Resistance: PVC is resistant to all inorganic chemicals. It has very good resistance against diluted acids, diluted alkalis and aliphatic hydrocarbons.
Applications
PVC is a versatile material that offers many possible applications, these include; window frames, drainage pipe, water service pipe, medical devices, blood storage bags, cable and wire insulation, resilient flooring, roofing membranes, stationary, automotive interiors and seat coverings, fashion and footwear, packaging, cling film, credit cards, vinyl records, synthetic leather and other coated fabrics.
