Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
A major thermoplastic material with a very wide variety of applications, the essential materials for polyvinyl chloride are derived from oil and salt. The vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) is formed by combining ethylene (obtained from oil) with Chlorine (produced from the electrolysis of salt water). VCM molecules are polymerized to form PVC resin, to which appropriate additives are incorporated to make a customized PVC compound.
Chemical Composition
The vinyl chloride molecule is C2H3Cl
Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM)
Polyvinyl Chloride Polymer
A.K.A.
PVC, PVC-U
The symbol for polyvinyl chloride developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry so that items can be labeled for easy recycling is:
Properties
A highly versatile polymer, PVC is compatible with many additives. It can be plasticized to make it flexible for use in flooring or unplasticized (PVC-U) for use in building applications and window frames.
| Physical Properties: | Value: |
| Tensile Strength: | 2.60 N/mm2 |
| Notched Impact Strength: | 2.0 - 4.5 Kj/m2 |
| Thermal Coefficient of Expansion: | 80 x 10-6 |
| Max. Continued Use Temperature: | 60 oC (140 oF) |
| Melting Point: | 212 oC (413 oF) |
| Glass Transition Temperature: | 81 oC (178 oF) |
| Density: | 1.38 g/cm3 |
