Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
POLY(VINYL CHLORIDE)
Cl
H
Cl
n
CC
H
(CH
2
C
)
n
H
H
Vinyl chloride polymers and copolymers are called “vinyl resins.”
Common comonomers for vinyl chloride are
O
and
CH
2
=CHOCCH
3
CH
2
=CCl
2
vinyl acetate
vinylidene chloride
Poly(vinyl chloride) is usually used with a “plasticizer” to make it softer.
Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is a thermoplastic that finds many uses.
Rigid
vinyls (unplasticized or lightly plasticized polymer) are hard and stiff and
are used as pipe, house siding, and a variety of parts for construction and
appliances. Plasticizers impact flexibility so that plasticized vinyls result in
clear packaging films, wire and cable coverings, and upholstery materials.
Plasticizers are organic compounds that are added to polymers to facilitate
processing and increase flexibility and toughness by solvation of the polymer
molecule. Among important plasticizers are nonvolatile organic liquids and
low-melting solids, for example, phthalate, adipate, and sebacate esters,
tricresyl phosphate, polyols, etc. Large quantities of PVC are used to man-
ufacture household and other consumer goods.
