I.

Introduction

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

- It is one of the earliest plastics, and is also one of the most
extensively used. It is derived from salt (57%) and oil or gas
(43%).
- It is less dependent than other polymers on crude oil or
natural gas, which are nonrenewable, and hence can be
regarded as a natural resource saving plastic, in contrast to
other plastics which are totally dependent on oil or gas. This
chlorine gives to PVC excellent fire resistance.
- PVC is the most widely used of the amorphous plastics.
History of PVC
PVC was first created thanks to multiple and accidental
discoveries at different times during the 19th century. In 1913 the
German Friedrich Heinrich August Klatte became the first inventor
to receive a patent for PVC with a polymerization method for vinyl
chloride using sunlight. However no useful purpose for PVC was
found until the 1920s when Waldo Semon, an American industrial
scientist, made PVC a more functional material while trying to
create a synthetic replacement for natural rubber.
Sales took off eventually when PVC started being used as a water
resistant coating for fabrics. Demand accelerated even more
during the Second World War when it became the standard
insulation for wiring on military ships, thanks to its superior safety
and non-flammable electrical properties. Over the next decades,
many more companies started to produce PVC and volumes
increased dramatically. Developers quickly found further,

innovative uses and refined manufacturing methods to improve

durability, opening the door to applications in the construction
sector.

II.

Physical Properties
Characteristics
Strengths:
- Good electrical and insulation properties over a wide
temperature range
- Inherent fire safety
- Excellent durability and long-life expectancy
- Toughness, strength.
- Flame resistant and fire prevention properties
- It is compatible with other additives that can provide
PVC clear or colored, rigid or flexible
- Excellent electrical insulation properties. This makes it
ideal to be use in cables.
- Impact strength and resistant to bad weather
conditions, appropriate to be used as a construction
material
- Resistance to grease, oil and chemicals
Weaknesses:
- Its production produces toxins that can cause severe
illness like cancer, diabetes, neurological damage,
reproductive and birth defects.
- Sensitive to UV and oxidative degradation.
- Limited thermal capability

III.

Applications

Uses

Construction material
Due to PVC properties, around 50% of
PVC (or vinyl) manufactured is used in
construction replacing other materials
such as wood or glass. Cheap, resistant,
good weather ability.
PVC is strong, lightweight, durable and versatile. These
characteristics make it ideal for window profiles. PVC's inherent
flame retardant and excellent electrical insulation properties
make it ideal for cabling applications.
It can be used for flooring, windows and door frames and
shutters, water and waste pipes, electrical applications such as
cable and wire insulation materials, architectural glazing
systems, wallpaper, etc.
Medical devices
PVC has been widely used for surgery,
pharmaceuticals, drug delivery and medical
packaging. Some products include blood bags,
medical containers, fluid bags, tubing, heart and lung bypass sets,
masks, gloves, bottles and jars, drainage systems, ducting, etc.
The reasons to use it in the medical sector is its safety and
chemical stability and bio-compatibility, chemical resistant and
low cost. In addition, it is usable inside the body and easy to be
sterilized.
Automotive
Typical examples of PVC automotive components include:
moldings, interior door panels and pockets, seat coverings, sun
visors, seals, floor covering, wiring, exterior side molding and
protective strips, anti-stone damage protection, etc.
Other applications

PVC can be used for manufacturing toys, packaging,

electric and electronic equipment, household goods,
coating, plastic parts in motor vehicles, office
supplies, insulation and adhesive tapes, furniture, etc.
For consumers in shoe soles, children's toys, handbags,
luggage, seat coverings, etc. Industrial sectors for conveyor belts,
printing rollers. Electric and electronic equipment such as circuit
boards, cables, electrical boxes, computer housing.
http://www.lenntech.com/polyvinyl-chloridepvc.htm#ixzz4CZ8tJXyb
http://www.plasticseurope.org/what-is-plastic/types-of-plastics11148/polyvinyl-chloride.aspx http://www.pvc.org/en/p/what-ispvc