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The hidden superstar in the world of plastics: How does the production process of PVC affect daily life?
In our daily lives, many seemingly ordinary items actually have unknown manufacturing processes hidden behind them. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the third most widely produced synthetic polymer in the world, with annual production reaching 40 million tons, so that its impact extends to various fields such as construction, medical care, cables, and packaging. This article takes an in-depth look at the production process of PVC and how it affects our lives.
History and development of PVC
The synthesis of polyvinyl chloride can be traced back to 1872, when German chemist Eugen Baumann discovered this off-white solid after long-term experiments. In the 20th century, Russian chemist Ivan Ostromilensky and German chemist Fritz Kratt tried to apply PVC to commercial products, but failed to promote it successfully due to processing difficulties. It was not until 1926 that Waldo Semon and his cooperative manufacturing companies successfully developed various additives to add to PVC to change its plasticity, which made PVC popular.
Polyvinyl chloride is considered a hidden superstar in the global plastics market, with its properties playing an important role in different applications.
Diversity of production processes
The production of polyvinyl chloride is mainly accomplished by polymerizing vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). According to different polymerization technologies, the plastic form of PVC can be divided into suspension polymerization, emulsion polymerization and volume polymerization. Among them, suspension polymerization accounts for about 80% of production, making the PVC particles produced uniform and stable. The reaction of this process is exothermic and requires continuous cooling to avoid overheating. As the volume of the reaction vessel decreases, water needs to be added continuously to maintain the suspension state, all of which illustrates the complexity of the production process.
Physical and chemical properties of PVC
PVC is a thermoplastic polymer, divided into two types based on its rigidity and softness. Rigid PVC is mostly used in building materials such as pipes and window frames, while flexible PVC mainly relies on the addition of plasticizers to make it softer and more workable. The most commonly used plasticizers are phthalates, and while these substances provide flexibility, they also raise health concerns, resulting in certain types of plasticizers being restricted on the market.
Applications of PVC in daily life
PVC is everywhere in our lives. According to statistics, about half of PVC is used to make pipes and is often used as a durable building material in the construction industry. In addition, plastic PVC is also widely used in wire insulation, health care, and even food packaging and other fields. Some unique applications include being used to make records, or replacing metal tubing in the production of musical instruments, making it a good choice for perforating musicians.
The diversity of PVC allows it to play an important role in different industrial and household uses.
Environmental and health considerations
Despite its wide range of applications, PVC’s environmental and health impacts are increasingly discussed. In particular, many of the additives used in its production and even PVC itself have potential environmental impacts. In the past, lead-containing stabilizers were widely used, but have been gradually phased out with the rise of environmental awareness. Especially in the field of medical equipment, research on the safety of polyvinyl chloride materials and the substances they release has become increasingly in-depth, and many medical institutions are moving towards the use of PVC-free products.
Future development trends
As the world pays increasing attention to environmental issues, the sustainable development and recycling of PVC have become important issues in the future. The use of biodegradable plastics and recycled materials is gradually being promoted, and many companies are also committed to developing new PVC formulas with low environmental impact, seeking to increase their functionality while reducing their impact on the environment.
Polyvinyl chloride plays an indispensable role in our lives, affecting every aspect of human life from daily necessities to industrial applications. So, how should we view the environmental and health challenges behind the production of these plastics?
