What is polyvinyl chloride?

    Polyvinyl chloride, abbreviated as PVC, is a polymer formed by the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) in initiators such as peroxides, azo compounds, or under the action of light and heat according to the mechanism of free radical polymerization. Vinyl chloride homopolymers and vinyl chloride copolymers are collectively referred to as vinyl chloride resins.

    PVC is a white powder with an amorphous structure with a small degree of branching. The glass transition temperature is 77~90℃, and it begins to decompose at about 170℃[1]. It has poor stability to light and heat. , it will decompose to produce hydrogen chloride, and further autocatalytic decomposition, causing discoloration, and the physical and mechanical properties also drop rapidly. In practical applications, stabilizers must be added to improve the stability to heat and light.

    The molecular weight of industrially produced PVC is generally in the range of 50,000 to 110,000. It has a large polydispersity. The molecular weight increases with the decrease of the polymerization temperature. , 160 ~ 180 ℃ began to transform into a viscous flow state; good mechanical properties, tensile strength of about 60MPa, impact strength of 5 ~ 10kJ/m2; excellent dielectric properties.

   PVC is widely used in building materials, industrial products, daily necessities, fashion toys, gifts, clothing, shoes, etc.