Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is among the most widely utilized thermoplastic polymers globally (next to popular plastics such as PET and PP). PVC is more common than most plastics, and it is used to make many products, such as PVC pipes. It was synthesized in 1872 before being commercially manufactured by the B.F. Goodrich Company in the 1920s.

In contrast, many other popular plastics were created and made commercially viable during the 1940s and the 1950s. PVC was discovered by accident twice, first in 1832 by French scientist Henri Victor Regnault, and it was found again in 1872 by a German man named Eugene Baumann.

What are the Characteristics of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)?
The most notable characteristics that are characteristic of polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) can be found in:

1. Density PVC can be very dense when compared to the majority of plastics (specific gravity of 1.4)
2. Economy: PVC is readily available and affordable.
3. Hardness Sturdy PVC has a good score for durability and hardness.
4. Strength: Rigid PVC has excellent tensile strength.

PVC is one of the "thermoplastic" (as opposed to "thermoset") materials, which is due to how the plastic reacts to heat. Thermoplastics become liquid when they reach their melting points (a temperature range for PVC ranging from 100-200 degrees Celsius and higher levels of the 260-degree mark Celsius dependent on the additives). The most significant benefit of thermoplastics is that they can be heated up to melting, then cooled before being reheated with no substantial loss. In contrast to burning, thermoplastics such as polypropylene can liquefy and easily be injection-molded and later recycled. However, thermoset materials are only heated once (typically during molding). The initial heating causes thermoset material to solidify, resulting in an altered chemical structure that can't be reversed. If you were to attempt the process of heating a thermoset material to a very high temperature two times, the thermoset would only ignite. This makes thermoset plastics unsuitable for recycling.

Why is Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) frequently used?
PVC provides a broad range of uses and benefits across various industries, both in its flexible and rigid forms. Particularly, Rigid PVC possesses a high density for plastics, making it extremely tough and strong. It's also readily accessible and affordable in combination with most plastics' durable properties, making it an excellent option for many industrial uses such as construction.

PVC is extremely tough properties and is light, making it a desirable material for plumbing, construction, and other industrial uses. Furthermore, the high chlorine content ensures that the material is fireproof and is another reason it has become so well-known across various sectors.

What do you make PVC produced?
Polyvinyl chloride is created from three emulsions:

1. Suspension polymerization
2. Emulsion polymerization
3. Bulk polymerization

What are the Advantages of Polyvinyl Chloride?
PVC gives industries several advantages that have solidified its position among the top sought-after and widely used plastics available. These benefits include:

1. Polyvinyl Chloride is easily accessible and relatively inexpensive.
2. Polyvinyl Chloride can be described as highly dense and hence very tough and resists deformation from impact exceptionally well compared to other plastics.
3. Polyvinyl Chloride has outstanding tensile strength.
4. Polyvinyl Chloride has highly resistant to alkalis and chemicals.

PVC's benefits have helped establish its position in the list of most widely used plastics around the globe. But even though it's incredibly effective and well-known, it is essential to consider certain factors when working with PVC.

What are the Disadvantages of Polyvinyl Chloride?
Although PVC offers a variety of benefits that make it an appealing material for use, there are also reasons to be cautious. The negatives to take into consideration when working with PVC are:

1. Polyvinyl Chloride is very brittle in its temperature stability. Due to this, additives are usually added to the product during manufacturing to stabilize the material when heated up.
2. Polyvinyl chloride emits harmful fumes when it melts or is exposed to flame.

Conclusion
While there are some flaws, Polyvinyl Chloride is an excellent material in general. It is a unique blend of properties that make it especially useful in the construction industry. When you take note and account for the flaws that the product has, you will be able to effectively manage and compensate for the shortcomings to utilize the material for future projects.