Polyvinyl Chloride

Definition

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used thermoplastic polymer that is produced by the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers. It is a versatile material with a wide range of applications, particularly in the context of industrial preparation and use of alkenes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. PVC is produced on a large scale through the free-radical polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers.
2. PVC is known for its durability, chemical resistance, and versatility, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications.
3. PVC can be made more flexible and less brittle through the addition of plasticizers, such as phthalates.
4. The production of PVC involves the use of alkenes, as vinyl chloride is an alkene derivative.
5. PVC is widely used in the construction industry for applications such as pipes, window frames, and electrical cable insulation.

Review Questions

• Explain the process of producing polyvinyl chloride and its connection to the industrial preparation and use of alkenes.
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is produced through the free-radical polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers, which are alkene derivatives. The process involves the initiation, propagation, and termination of the free-radical chain reaction to form long, chain-like PVC molecules. This production method is considered an industrial application of alkenes, as the starting material, vinyl chloride, is an alkene that undergoes polymerization to create the versatile PVC polymer.
• Describe the key properties of polyvinyl chloride that make it a widely used material, particularly in the context of industrial applications.
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) possesses several properties that contribute to its widespread use in industrial applications. PVC is known for its durability, chemical resistance, and versatility, allowing it to be used in a variety of products. Additionally, PVC can be made more flexible and less brittle through the addition of plasticizers, further expanding its applications. The production of PVC involves the use of alkenes, specifically vinyl chloride monomers, making it an important industrial application of alkene chemistry.
• Analyze the role of polyvinyl chloride in the construction industry and how its properties relate to the industrial preparation and use of alkenes.
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plays a significant role in the construction industry due to its desirable properties. PVC is widely used for applications such as pipes, window frames, and electrical cable insulation. These applications are directly related to the industrial preparation and use of alkenes, as PVC is produced through the polymerization of the alkene derivative, vinyl chloride. The versatility and durability of PVC, which can be further enhanced through the addition of plasticizers, make it a valuable material in the construction industry, where it is used to create durable, long-lasting, and chemically resistant products.

Related terms

Vinyl Chloride:

Vinyl chloride is the monomer used in the production of polyvinyl chloride. It is a colorless, flammable gas with a sweet odor.

Polymerization:

Polymerization is the process of combining many monomers to form long, chain-like molecules called polymers.

Thermoplastic:

Thermoplastics are a type of polymer that can be repeatedly softened by heating and hardened by cooling, making them suitable for various manufacturing processes.