Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) (C2H3Cl)n is the result of the polymerisation chloride vinyl monomer. It is one of the most adaptable plastic, which can be produced throughout three different processes: suspension, emulsion and bulk (mass).
The material usually begins to soften around 80°C and decompose at about 140°C. It is an addition polymer and furthermore a resin resulting from chloride vinyl and chlorothene polymerisation. It has a good electrical and flame resistance.
In the industrial setting you can find two types:
- Hard or Unplasticised: used for the manufacturing of packaging, windows, pipelines (which have mostly replaced iron pipes, that are more exposed to oxidation), plumbing accessories, etc.
- Soft or Plasiticised: used for the manufacturing of cables, dolls and toys, shoes, flooring, coatings, roofing…
PVC is characterized by being ductile and tough; It presents dimensional stability and environmental resistance. In addition, it is recyclable by several methods.