The Full form of PVC is Poly Vinyl Chloride. PVC is a synthetic plastic polymer which is produced by polymerization of vinyl chloride. Its chemical formula is CH2=CHCl. PVC is a thermoplastic material and this type of plastic solidifies on cooling and melts on heating. It is used in the manufacturing of a wide range of products such as cables, pipes, bottles and raincoats. After polyethylene and polypropylene, it is the world’s 3rd most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer.
Each year about 40 million tons of PVC is produced. PVC comes in two basic forms; flexible and rigid (sometimes abbreviated as RPVC). The rigid form of Poly Vinyl Chloride is used in construction of pipe and in profile applications such as windows and doors. It is also used in making food-covering sheets, bottles, non-food packaging, and cards (such as membership or bank cards). It can be made more flexible and softer by the addition of plasticizers, the most widely used being phthalates.
In this form, it is also used in electrical cable insulation, plumbing, signage, phonograph records, imitation leather, flooring, inflatable products, and many applications where it replaces rubber. With linen or cotton, it is used in the production of canvas. Pure PVC is a white, brittle solid. It is slightly soluble in tetrahydrofuran but insoluble in alcohol.