Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer made from the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers. It is the world's third-most widely produced plastic polymer after polyethylene and polypropylene

. PVC appears as a white, brittle solid in its pure form and can be processed into two main types: rigid (unplasticized PVC or uPVC) and flexible (plasticized PVC)

Key Characteristics of PVC:

• Durable, lightweight, and strong
• Chemical and weather resistant
• Fire resistant with excellent insulating properties
• Can be made flexible by adding plasticizers, which lower crystallinity and increase softness and clarity

• Thermoplastic, meaning it can be heated and reshaped without chemical change

Common Uses:

• Construction: pipes, window and door profiles, roofing sheets, linings for tunnels and reservoirs

• Electrical: cable insulation and sheathing

• Medical devices: blood bags, transfusion tubes, surgical gloves

• Packaging: bottles, food containers, labels

• Automotive parts: cables, coatings, interior trims

• Leisure products: garden hoses, inflatable pools, footwear

PVC is valued for its versatility, low cost, and ability to replace traditional materials like wood, metal, and rubber in many applications

. It was first unintentionally synthesized in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann and later developed into commercial products after plasticization techniques were discovered in the 1920s

. In summary, PVC is a widely used, versatile plastic polymer with both rigid and flexible forms, utilized extensively across industries due to its durability, affordability, and adaptability.