Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Rigid or plasticized chlorinated thermoplastic, the world's third-most produced synthetic polymer.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Chlorine accounts for about 57 percent of PVC's mass, reducing its dependence on petroleum feedstock.
• Rigid PVC dominates water pipe and window frame manufacturing.
• Plasticizers such as phthalates convert rigid PVC into flexible films and cable insulation.

Specifications & Metrics

• MONOMER: Vinyl chloride (C₂H₃Cl)