Polyvinyl chloride

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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride (pronunciation: /ˌpɒliˈvaɪnəl ˈklɔːraɪd/), commonly abbreviated as PVC, is a type of plastic that is third-most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer in the world.

Etymology

The term "polyvinyl chloride" comes from the chemical composition of PVC. It is a polymer, which means it is made of repeating units. The repeating units in PVC are derived from vinyl chloride, hence the name "polyvinyl chloride".

Description

PVC is a type of thermoplastic polymer that is versatile and used in a variety of applications. It is known for its durability, affordability, and resistance to environmental degradation. It is commonly used in construction, packaging, and healthcare industries.

Related Terms

  • Vinyl chloride: The monomer from which PVC is made.
  • Plasticizer: A substance added to PVC to increase its flexibility.
  • Chlorine: An element used in the production of PVC.
  • Polymer: A large molecule composed of repeating subunits.
  • Thermoplastic: A type of plastic that becomes moldable above a specific temperature and solidifies upon cooling.

Health Concerns

There are some health concerns associated with the production and disposal of PVC, as it can release toxic chlorine gas when heated. These concerns have led to the development of "green" PVC alternatives.

See Also

External links

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