PVC

PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride is a type of plastic that is widely used in a variety of industries due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. It is the third most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer, after polyethylene and polypropylene.

History

PVC was first synthesized in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann. However, it was not until the early 20th century that PVC started to be produced on a commercial scale.

Production

The production of PVC involves the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers. This process can be carried out using a variety of methods, including suspension polymerization, emulsion polymerization, and bulk polymerization.

Properties

PVC is known for its durability, resistance to environmental degradation, and excellent insulation properties. It can be made softer and more flexible by the addition of plasticizers, the most widely used being phthalates.

Uses

PVC is used in a wide range of applications, from construction and packaging to healthcare and electronics. In the medical field, it is used in products such as blood bags, surgical gloves, and intravenous (IV) tubing.

Health and Environmental Concerns

There are some health and environmental concerns associated with the production and disposal of PVC. These include the release of toxic chemicals during production and the difficulty of recycling PVC products.

See Also

• Plastic
• Polymer
• Vinyl Chloride

References

PVC Resources
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