CHAPTER 1:

INTRODUCTION TO
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was first manufactured
in Germany in 1931 as a robust and lightweight new
plastic. This breakthrough material was brought
about to substitute for metals, glass, wood, natural
fibers, papers and fabrics. Over 30 million tons
of PVC is used around the globe today, both in
industrialized and developing countries, due to its cost
efficiency, durability, self-extinguishing properties,
processability, and resources saving features.
Owing to its safe, healthy, convenient and
aesthetical advantages, PVC products support
daily life in a wide variety of fields including urban
infrastructures, electronic products, and consumer
goods.
For example, PVC can be found in public lifelines
such as water supply, sewage pipes, or power lines.
It is also used in building materials such as sidings,
furniture, spouts, window profiles, flooring, decking
boards, and roofing sheets. Agricultural and industrial
applications include green house sheets, semi-
conductor cleansing facilities, exhaust ducts, and
parts for automobile and home electrical appliances.
Consumer products include food wraps, synthetic
leather and stationery. As you can see, PVC, or
polyvinyl chloride/vinyl chloride resin, is a raw material
used in a vast range of applications.
General information on PVC is provided here in
Chapter 1, followed by introductions on four aspects
of PVC; production, characteristics, safety and
applications.
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
1. What is PVC?
■ A thermoplastic resin
Plastics are also called synthetic resins and are
broadly classified into two categories; thermosetting
resins and thermoplastic resins(Fig.1-1). The
thermosetting resins include phenol resin and
melamine resin, which are thermally hardened
and never soften again. Thermoplastic resins
include PVC, polyethylene(PE), polystyrene(PS) and
polypropylene(PP), which can be softened again by
heating.  and processed under strict control for safety. On the
Usually, thermoplastics are supplied in the form of
pelletized material (compounds) with additives (anti-
oxidants, etc.) already blended in it. However, PVC
is supplied in powder form and long term storage is
possible since the material is resistant to oxidizing
and degradation. Various additives and pigments are
added to PVC during the processing stage, and then
molded and fabricated into PVC products.
PVC is better known as bineel (vinyl) in Japan. This
is due to the fact that PVC products, in the form of
films or sheets, were widely used among the public
after World War II, and these products were simply
called bineel. When these PVC products that are soft
to the touch first landed Japan, where only rigid
thermosetting resins had been known, they left a very
strong impression among the population. This is how
bineel mistakenly became a synonym for all soft films
including polyethylene films.
■ A safe synthetic resin made from
vinyl chloride monomers (VCM)
Most synthetic resins are made up from single
molecule units, called monomers. Through a chemical
Fig.1-1 Synthetic resin and their raw materials
Raw material (monomers)
Vinyl chloride monomer (Vinyl chloride: VCM)
Ethylene
Propylene
Styrene monomer
Acrylonitrile/Butadiene/Styrene
Thermoplastic resin
Bisphenol A/Carbonyl chloride
Hexamethylenediamine/Adipic acid
Methyl methacrylic acid
Ethylene/Terephthalic acid
Phenol/Formaldehyde
Melamine/Formalin
Caprolactam/Hexamethylenediamine
Trienediisocyanate/Propylene glycol
Thermosetting resin Bisphenol A/Epichlorohydrin
Dimethylsiloxane
Maleic anhydride/Styrene monomer
Source: "Dictionary of plastics in use", Industrial Research Center of Japan, Inc. Production Goods Work Station (1993)
2
reaction known as polymerization, these single
molecules are branched into long chains to form
polymers (which are also called macromolecules). PVC
is also a type of polymer made from VCM through
polymerization (Fig.1-1).
Some monomers exist in the form of unstable
gaseous chemical substances, and some of these
may cause health hazards when in direct contact
with humans. In these cases they are manufactured
other hand, polymers, which are manufactured from
monomers through polymerization, are solid and
chemically stable substances, therefore do not affect
human health. VCM, which is the raw material for PVC,
is a high-pressure gas that can pose risks on human
health such as carcinogenicity, but PVC does not have
such carcinogenicity.
As you can see, plastics possess completely different
chemical properties before and after polymerization.
Since names of these substances sound unfamiliar,
misunderstandings tend to occur regarding their
attributes and safety. Also due to the fact that
the Japanese terms Enbi polymer (PVC) and Enbi
monomer (VCM) are both frequently called Enbi,
there has been further confusion in Japan.
One example of such confusion is an erroneous
report made in Japan on February 2003, which ran
"Carcinogenic Enbi (PVC) emissions into the air and
soil" - this of course, is a serious misunderstanding.
■ Resource saving and fire resistant
properties
Only 40% of PVC's composition is petroleum-
Synthetic resin (polymers)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polyethylene (PE)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polystyrene (PS)
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Resin (ABS)
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polyamide resin (PA:Nylon)
Methacrylic resin (PMMA)
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Phenol resin
Melamine resin
Polyamide resin (PA : Nylon)
Polyurethane (PU : Urethane resin)
Epoxy resin
Silicone resin (SI)
Unsaturated polyester resin (FRP)
derived. PVC is less dependent on petroleum, which
is a natural resource that may one day be depleted.
Therefore PVC can be regarded as a natural resource
saving plastic, in contrast to plastics such as PE, PP and
PS, which are totally dependent on petroleum.
Also, PVC contains components derived from
industrial grade salt. Thus, PVC is a fire resistant plastic
with properties of chlorine containing substances.
When PVC is set on fire, the flames go out as the
fire source is removed due to its self-extinguishing
properties.
■ One of four major plastics with the longest history
Plastics production in Japan for 2007 was
approximately 15 million tons, out of which 70% is
represented by PE, PP, PVC and PS (Fig.1-2). PVC is a
general purpose plastic with the longest history in
industrial production both domestic and abroad.
Due to its low price, excellent durability and
processability, PVC became widely used since around
1948 in commonplace consumer applications, such
as air inflated toys including floats and beach balls,
films and sheets such as raincoats, bags, containers,
or synthetic leather in the form of shoes, hand bags
and furniture surfaces. Around that time, PVC began
to be used for electrical wire covering. Today, PVC is
widely used within civil engineering and construction
materials that require durability. Examples include
drinking water and sewage pipes, optical fiber
protective pipes, wallcovering, flooring, window
profiles (PVC saches), and furniture.
■ Contributes to energy saving and reduces CO 2
emissions
Production of PVC requires little energy due to
2. Production of PVC
(1) Linkage of PVC related
industries
■ Upstream of the PVC industry (the basic
petrochemical industry, the soda industry)
※ Ethylene and chlorine are raw materials for PVC.
Therefore, industries positioned upstream of the
PVC industry are the basic petrochemical industry,
which supplies ethylene, and the soda industry,
which supplies chlorine.
※ By thermal cracking of naphtha, the basic
petrochemical industry manufactures ethylene and
propylene, etc. Naphtha is mainly supplied from the
petroleum refinery industry, which uses imported
crude oil as raw material.
※ The soda industry produces caustic soda, chlorine
the manufacturing process of its raw material, VCM.
According to the results of survey by the Plastic Waste
Management Institute, PVC requires only about 70%
of energy required for production of other plastics.
This means less CO2 emissions occur from production
processes, thus contributing to the prevention of
global warming.
Furthermore, as PVC products have the required
strength, durability, and low thermal conductivity,
its heat-insulating efficiency is three times as high as
that of metal such as aluminum when used as window
profiles and siding boards. Therefore consumption of
fossil fuels such as petroleum can be cut back, which
contributes to further reduction of CO2 emissions.
Fig.1-2 Production ratio of four major plastics (2007)
PE (total of HDPE
and LDPE)
Other
22.1%
30.0%
Total plastics
14.61
million tons
PP
12.0% 100%
21.1%
PS (including
ABS and AS)
14.8%
PVC
Total of four
major plastics
70.0%
Source: "Yearbook of Chemical Industries Statistics 2007", METI
and hydrogen via electrolysis using industrial grade
salt as main raw material.
■ The PVC industry
The PVC industry produces an intermediate raw
material called ethylene dichloride (EDC) using
ethylene and chlorine, the former of which is supplied
by the basic petrochemical industry and the latter
being supplied by the soda industry. EDC is then
thermally cracked to produce VCM. Finally, VCM is
polymerized to produce PVC (Fig.1-3).
Naphtha :
Crude oil is heated for refining at the refinery to
obtain heavy oil, light oil, kerosene, gasoline,
naphtha fractions, and LP gas. Naphtha is
transferred to petrochemical plants, where
ethylene, propylene, butylene etc. are obtained
by thermal cracking.
3
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

■ Downstream of the PVC industry and consumer products.

(the PVC converter industry)
PVC is supplied downstream to the PVC converter
industries, where various additives including stabilizers
and plasticizers are blended, of which are then
converted by extrusion molding and calendering.
Resulting products are further fabricated into
construction and civil work materials, agricultural and
industrial materials, parts for the assembly industry,
The PVC industry and the PVC converter industry
are closely associated with each other, and in some
cases, both are called the PVC industries collectively.
According to a rough calculation of the industrial
statistics for 1998, the number of businesses is 4,600;
the number of employees is 72,000, and the shipped
value amounts to ¥1.5 trillion, or 15% of the total
shipment value of all plastics.

Fig.1-3 Linkage of PVC related industries

●Upstream
Basic petrochemical
industry
Ethylene
Petroleum Naphtha Naphtha Ethylene
Petroleum refining
industry (Electrolysis) EDC VCM PVC PVC
Caustic industries
Industrial soda
Sea water Industrial grade salt
grade salt Chlorine Chlorine
Rock salt
Soda industry
PVC industry
Salt industry
●Downstream (Processing Fabrication)
(Installation,
Assembly, Consumption) PVC products PVC
End user industry, PVC converter industry
Consumer

(2) Production process of raw cracked to yield VCM at a few hundred ℃

material for PVC (VCM)
VCM is a high pressure gas with a molecular weight
of 62.5 and boiling point of - 13.9 ℃ , therefore it is
manufactured under strict quality and safety control.
There are two ways to manufacture VCM; the direct
chlorination method and oxychlorination method.
Under the direct chlorination method, ethylene
(obtained from thermal cracking of naphtha) and
chlorine (obtained from electrolysis of salt) reacts
within a catalyst-containing reactor to form the
intermediate material EDC. EDC is then thermally
( ① in Fig.1-4).
When the hydrogen chloride obtained as by-
product from the above method reacts with
ethylene in the presence of catalyst and air (or
oxygen), EDC is obtained again. This is called the
oxychlorination process ( ② in Fig.1-4 ). When EDC from
the oxychlorination process is dehydrated and then
thermally cracked (likewise with the EDC from the
direct chlorination process), VCM is obtained.
These two methods are combined thus at the major
VCM plants in Japan. Fig.1-5 is a flow chart of VCM
manufacturing processes shown in Fig.1-4.

Fig.1-4 VCM production method

Air (Oxygen) ②Oxychlorination

EDC
Ethylene

Ethylene Chlorine
Thermal
Hydrogen chloride cracking
①Direct
chlorination
Polymerization
EDC VCM PVC
Thermal cracking

Source: Prepared from material by the Japan Petroleum Institute (JPI)

4
 Fig.1-5 Process flow diagram for VCM
Quench column
Direct Caustic soda
chlorination
reactor Air Caustic soda
(oxygen) washing column

Chlorine Ethylene
Decanter
Ethylene
Oxychlorination
reactor
Monomer
Recovery column recovery column
Quench Caustic
column soda
washing
Dehydrating VCM column
column
Low boiling
point fraction
collection
column Hydrochloric
acid removal
High boiling Cracking furnace column
point fraction
collection column Source: Prepared from material by the JPI

(3) PVC production processes

Generally, the suspension polymerization process is
adopted to manufacture PVC. First, the raw material
VCM is pressurized and liquefied, and then fed into
the polymerization reactor, which contains water and
suspending agent in advance. Through high-speed
agitation within the reactor, micro particles of VCM
are obtained. Next, the initiator for polymerization is
fed into the reactor, and PVC is produced by reaction
under a few atmospheric pressures at 40 - 60 ℃.  bulk polymerization process are also adopted.
PVC obtained through suspension polymerization is
suspended in water as micro particles of 50~200 µm
diameter (in slurry form). Therefore, slurry discharged
from the polymerization reactor is dehydrated, dried
and the particle size matched by screening to yield PVC
in the form of white powder. The unreacted VCM is
entirely recovered through the stripping process, and
after refining, recycled as raw material for reuse in this
process (Fig.1-6). Emulsion polymerization process and

Fig.1-6 PVC polymerization process flow diagram

Recovered VCM storage tank

Volumeter
VCM tank Catalyst
Polymerization VCM purification column
reactor Recovered
Gasholder VCM
storage tank
Additives

Vacuum Compressor Crude VCM

pump storage tank
Purified water Stripping
Tank
PVC
Centrifuge storage tank
Fluidized-bed dryer
Screen

PVC
Slurry tank

Source: Prepared from material by the JPI

5
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

(4) PVC as petrochemical Fig.1-7 Breakdown of ethylene applications (2001)

(ethylene requirement)
product
Unit : Million tons
■ A petrochemical product manufactured
from ethylene Others
PVC is a petrochemical product, since its LDPE
(Acetaldehyde, etc.)
intermediate raw material, EDC, is manufactured 1.58 1.95
from ethylene (Fig.1-7). 13% of all ethylene demand (21%)
during 2001 was used for production of EDC (ethylene Ethylene (27%)
requirement breakdown). Almost all of EDC is used for Ethyl acetate demand
PVC production in Japan, although a small portion is 0.75 7.38
used for manufacturing of ethylenediamine, organic (10%) (100%)
HDPE
solvents and various pharmaceutical products. SM
0.85 EDC 1.25
Four major applications, i.e., low-density (PVC,
polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (12%) Ethylenediamine, (17%)
others)
(HDPE), EDC and styrene monomer (SM) comprise
0.98
about 70% of all ethylene consumption (almost all
(13%)
styrene is used for PS).

■ PVC industry and petrochemical complexes Source: Prepared from chemical industry statistics by the Japan
Petrochemical Industry Association, materials by the METI
The petroleum refining industry and the basic

Fig.1-8 Production flow of typical petrochemical complex (focus on ethylene derivatives 2007)
Unit: 1,000 tons/year
Crude oil Ethylene
7,739
LDPE 2,097
232,153 thousand kl

HDPE 1,135
Gasoline
58,403 thousand kl
(25%)
Ethylene oxide 966 Ethylene glycol 754 PET 698
Naphtha
22,630 thousand kl
(10%)
PS 1,749

Acrylonitrile-Styrene 125
Kerosene
23,024 thousand kl Ethyl benzene Styrene monomer 3,533 ABS 547
(10%)

Butanol 537 MBS

Light oil SBR 727
43,058 thousand kl
(19%)
Acetaldehyde 367 Ethyl acetate 261

Acetic acid 587 Vinyl acetate 734 Polyvinyl acetate 230

Heavy oil
53,946 thousand kl
(23%)

EDC 3,603 VCM 3,142 PVC 2,162

Chlorine 3,890
Organic solvents Ethylenediamine
PP 3,087

Phenol 961 Phenolic resin 295

Propylene Octanol 270 Phthalates* 281

Caustic 6,286
soda 4,487 Acrylonitrile 743 Acrylic fiber 16

Propylene oxide 520 Urethane foam 235

Industrial Butadiene 1,024 Synthetic rubber 1,655

grade salt
7,337 Aromatics Benzene, Toluene, Xylene 12,888 Polycarbonate 418

Others High purity terephthalic acid 1,254 Polyester fiber 295

*(for Plastcizers)
Sources: Present Status of Petrochemical Industry: 2008 by the Japan Petrochemical Industry Association,
Yearbook of Chemical Industries Statistics 2007 by the METI
Guidebook for the Soda Industry by the JSIA
NOTE: 1. Imported naphtha of 26,873 thousand kl is not shown here. Total naphtha supply of 49,503 thousand kl is a sum of 22,630 thousand kl
of domestic naphtha and imported naphtha.
2. Derivatives having two or more raw materials are shown against the major raw material.
3. Figures does not represent yields from each material substances.

6
petrochemical industry in Japan are located at coastal
areas, where there is easy access to imported natural
resources such as crude oil, in the same way as energy
industries such as the thermal power generation
industry. They form petrochemical complexes, where
refineries, ethylene centers and the petrochemical
plants are connected by pipelines. Likewise, the soda
industry is located together with petrochemical
complexes in many cases, since it is preferable for
large-sized soda plants to be at the coastal areas for
easier access to imported salt and consumption of
caustic soda's by-product, chlorine.
VCM plants, which use ethylene and chlorine as
major raw materials, and PVC plants, are generally
located in the petrochemical complex due to this
background. Fig.1-8 focuses on the flow of ethylene
which is one of five types of products that are yielded
by cracking of naphtha, and downstream on to the
production of petrochemical products such as general-
purpose plastics. Figures show the production volume
in 2007.

(5) PVC as a chlorine product Fig.1-9 VCM share in total chlorine demand (fiscal 2006)

■ Ratio of VCM within the total

chlorine demands
Ethylene and chlorine are the major
raw materials for VCM. Therefore, VCM is Others 39%
affected by the supply-demand situations VCM 40%
of both ethylene and chlorine, respectively.
As already mentioned, in Japan the share
of VCM amount to 13% of all ethylene
use (ethylene requirement). In contrast, 1%
Food
TDI/MDI (raw material
VCM amounts to 40% of all chlorine use. for urethane) 8% Solvent 2%
Therefore, the demand-supply situation of
chlorine has more impact on VCM than that Propylene oxide 5% Chloromethane 5%
of ethylene (Fig.1-9).
Source: Japan Soda Industry Association (JSIA)

■ The balance between chlorine and caustic soda
Chlorine is a by-product of caustic soda production,
generated at a ratio of 0.88:1. As applications for
chlorine and caustic soda are totally different, one
striking a balance between supply and demand
does not necessarily mean the other would also.
In fact, until 1970, the demand for chlorine was
weaker than that of caustic soda, therefore, caustic
soda production was adjusted to meet the chlorine
demand, and the resulting shortage of caustic soda
was supplemented by imports. Afterwards, chlorine
became short of supply since demand for PVC grew
year by year (Fig.1-10). In order to make up for the
chlorine shortage, EDC, which is comparatively easy to
transport, was imported.

Fig.1-10 Transition of the balance between chlorine and caustic soda

1,000 tons
5,000

Chlorine demand
4,000

3,000 Domestic chlorine supply

Chlorine import
2,000
0
fiscal year '82 '83 '84 '85 '86 '87 '88 '89 '90 91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 '00 01 '02 '03 '04 05 '06

Chlorine demand 2,781 3,025 3,163 3,253 3,292 3,502 3,763 3.921 4,043 3,967 3,914 3,737 3,943 4,188 4,328 4,423 4,203 4,419 4,285 4,042 4,074 4,048 4,092 4,096 4,121
Domestic chlorine supply 2,391 2,530 2,681 2,666 2,715 2,901 3,119 3,271 3,445 3,407 3,361 3,269 3,367 3,544 3,598 3,861 3,684 3,903 3,883 3,689 3,806 3,822 3,936 3,894 3,898
Chlorine import ( ) 390 495 482 587 577 601 644 650 598 560 553 468 576 644 730 562 519 516 402 353 268 224 156 202 223

NOTE: 1. The chlorine demand represents the "net demand" derived by subtracting the recovered chlorine from the gross domestic chlorine demand.
2. The chlorine import is derived from all imported chlorine products in terms of chlorine requirement.

Source: JSIA

7
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

■ Dependency of VCM production on imported EDC
Especially during the mid 1980s, imports of EDC
increased year by year in order to make up for the
grave shortage in chlorine due to the growth of
domestic demand for VCM and also the increased
export of VCM to China. The import of EDC marked an
all time high of 842 thousand tons in 1996. As a result,
the dependency of VCM production on imported EDC
(i.e., the ratio of VCM manufactured with imported
EDC) reached 34% (Fig.1-11).
After 1997 when VCM production hit its peak, the
dependency of VCM on imported EDC started to
decline. The decline resulted from the price hike of
imported EDC partially due to growth in worldwide
VCM demand; domestic VCM manufacturers had
boosted production based on domestic chlorine.
After 2000, the import of EDC decreased to less
than 500 thousand tons per year along with the
decline of PVC production. This was partially due to
the general economic recession in Japan and reduced
domestic demands (secondary converters had moved
abroad). In 2004, the import of EDC further declined
to 200 thousand tons, shifting the dependency
ratio on imported EDC to below 10%. The price
increase of imported EDC and domestic chlorine was
partially responsible for the deficit of the Japanese
PVC Industry after the latter half of 1990s. Thus, the
balance between chlorine and caustic soda as well as
the supply-demand situation of VCM both domestic
and abroad are the dominant factors for the amount
of EDC imported as raw material and the domestic
shipment/export amount of VCM.

Fig.1-11 Transition of EDC import and dependency ratio on imports

（％）
1,000 tons 3,000 40
Imported EDC EDC dependency ratio VCM production (EDC requirement)
35
2,500
30

2,000
25

1,500 20

15
1,000

10
500
5

0 0
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
(1,000 tons)
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Imported EDC 586 723 842 696 570 553 417 383 295 256 185 153 318 223

PVC production 2,111 2,274 2,511 2,626 2,457 2,461 2,410 2,195 2,225 2,164 2,153 2,151 2,146 2,162

VCM production 2,318 2,586 2,921 3,124 2,995 3,124 3,032 2,895 2,970 2,948 2,977 3,038 3,228 3,142

VCM production (EDC requirement)* 1,942 2,167 2,448 2,618 2,510 2,618 2,541 2,426 2,489 2,470 2,495 2,546 2,705 2,633
  EDC dependency ratio (%)** 30 33 34 27 23 21 16 16 12 10 7 6 12 8

* VCM production (EDC requirement) = VCM production x 0.838

Imported EDC
** EDC Dependency Ratio = x 100
VCM production (EDC requirement) Source; Yearbook of Chemical Industries Statistics, METI
Trade Statistics of Japan, Ministry of Finance

Crystalline :
Molecules are aligned in a regular grid pattern
when the substance is in solid form and stable.
PVC has a dominant amorphous molecular
structure, with only 5~10% of crystalline
components.
Polarity :
Tendency within parts of the molecule to be
slightly charged positively and negatively. Parts
within the molecule that are charged are called
polar parts, as opposed to nonpolar parts where
there is very little electrical charge.

8
 3. Characteristics of PVC

PVC, PE, PP and PS are called general-

Fig.1-12 Molecular structures of general purpose plastics
purpose plastics. The features of the plastic
are determined by the chemical composition Molecular form Amorphous
and type of molecular structure (molecular part
formation: crystalline /amorphous
structure)(Fig.1-12).
PVC has a unique amorphous structure
with polar chlorine atoms in the molecular Crystalline
part
structure. Having chlorine atoms and Amorphous Crystalline
The crystalline part is fixed,
the amorphous molecular structure are Molecular chains are fixed. the amorphous part is flexible.
inseparably related. Although plastics seem PVC PS PP
PE
very similar in the daily use context, PVC carbon, hydrogen
carbon, hydrogen, chrorine
has completely different features in terms H H H H H H H H
of performance and functions as compared
C C C C C C C C
with olefin plastics which have only carbon
and hydrogen atoms in their molecular H H H H H CH3
structures. Chemical composition

(1) Chemical stability Fig.1-13 Flash ignition and ignition temperatures of mateials

Chemical stability is a common feature Vinylidene Vinylidene chloride

chloride
among substances, containing halogens Low flammability 500℃ Fluoroplastic Hard to ignite
such as chlorine and fluorine. This applies to PS
Cellulose acetate
PVC resins also, which furthermore possess
fire retarding properties, durability, and oil/ PVC
Nylon Nylon
chemical resistance.
400℃ PU
PVC
■ Fire retarding properties
PE
PVC has an inherently superior fire PU PE
retarding property due to its chlorine atom
components, and do not require addition of Methacrylic 300℃
resin
fire retardants to its products. For example, Pine wood
Pine wood Cotton
the ignition temperature of PVC is as high Paper
as 455℃ , and is a material with less risk for Paper
High flammability Wool Easy to ignite
fire incidents since it is not ignited easily 200℃
(Fig.1-13).
Furthermore, the heat radiation in Source: "Technical Information: Five Properties of Polyvinyl Chloride"
by the technical committee of the Vinyl Institute,
burning is considerably low with PVC, when 1988 (PVC and Polymer, Vol.29, No.9, 6-11: No.10, 10-16, 1989)
compared with those for PE and PP, and is
hard to spread fire to nearby materials even
Fig.1-14 Maximum heat release by various materials
while burning (Fig.1-14). Therefore, PVC
is the most suitable plastic to be used in Material Maximum heat release（kW/m2）
products requiring fire retarding properties PVC 91
such as housing materials.
Fire resistant ABS 250
Fire resistant PS 315
■ Durability ABS 746
Under normal conditions of use, the factor
PS 859
most strongly influencing the durability of
a material is resistance to oxidation within Polyester 1216
the air. PVC, having the molecular structure PE 1325
where chlorine atom is bound to every other
PP 1335
carbon chains, is very resistant to oxidative
reactions, and maintains its performance Source: PVC and polymer Vol.29 (1989)

9
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

almost semi-permanently. In
Fig.1-15 Aging of strength in rigid PVC pipe
contrast, other general purpose
plastics with structures made up 66
only of carbon and hydrogen
64
are susceptible to deterioration
by oxidation in extended use

（MPa）Tensile strength
62
conditions. 60
According to measurements
on underground PVC pipes by 58

the Japan PVC Pipe & Fittings 56

Association, a pipe used
underground for 35 years showed 54

no deterioration, and its strength 52

remained the same as with new
50
pipes (Fig.1-15). 0 10
A report from Germany, where
rigid PVC pipes were used from
the early days, states that a
PVC pipe used for over 50 years
displayed the same strength as with new pipes.
Almost no deterioration was observed upon
recovery of three kinds of automobile exterior
accessories (flexible PVC products using plasticizers)
from end-of-life cars after 13 years of use and
upon comparison of physical properties with new
products (Fig.1-16). The shortened time for thermal
decomposition (loss of durability) is due to the heat
history in the re-converting process, and can be
recovered to that of the original products by adding
20 30 40 50
Number of years in use
Source: Japan PVC Pipe & Fittings Association
stabilizers. Recovered products can in fact be molded
back into the same products through re-converting,
regardless of whether they are pipes or automobile
parts. The physical properties of these re-converted
products are almost the same as with products made
from virgin resin, and there is also no problem upon
actual use.
As described above, PVC has an outstanding
durability and is a suitable material for long service
life products, and has an excellent recycleability.

Fig.1-16 Change of physical properties of recovered automobile exterior accessories

Degree of polymerization Plasticizer content (%) Hardness (at 23℃) Brittle temperature (℃)
Original
2000 25 120 2
13 years later 20 100 0
1500
80 -2
15
1000 60 -4
10
40 -6
500 5 20 -8
0 0 0 -10
A B C A B C A B C A B C
Sample Sample Sample Sample
Tensile strength (kg/cm2) 100% Modulus (kg/cm2) Elongation (%) Thermal decomposition time (mins)
400 250 400 120
200 100
300 300
80
150
200 200 60
100
40
100 50 100
20
0 0 0 0
A B C A B C A B C A B C
Sample Sample Sample Sample

Source: "PVC and environmental issues" by Tetsuya Makino, Seikei Kakou (a journal of the Japan Society of Polymer Processing), Vol.10, No.1 (1998)

■ Oil/Chemical Resistance
PVC is resistant to acid, alkali and almost all
inorganic chemicals. Although PVC swells or dissolves
in aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and cyclic ethers,
PVC is hard to dissolve in other organic solvents.
Taking advantage of this characteristic, PVC is used in
exhaust gas ducts, sheets used in construction, bottles,
tubes and hoses.

10
(2) Mechanical stability
Fig.1-17 Circumferential stress by internal pressure and
PVC is a chemically stable material, which shows breaking time of rigid PVC pipes
little change in the molecular structure, and also 100

Circumferential stress (MPa)

exhibits little change in the mechanical strength.
However, high-polymer material is a viscoelastic body
50
and deformed by continuous application of exterior
force, even if the applied force is well below its yield
point. This is called creep deformation. Although 25
PVC is a viscoelastic body, its creep deformation is
very little compared with other plastics due to little
molecular motion at ordinary temperature, in contrast 10
to PE and PP, which have greater molecular motion in 10 100 1000 10000 100000 1000000
their amorphous sections. Through a joint research Elapsed time (hrs) 50 years
with the Kyoto Institute of Technology, it was found Source: Japan PVC Pipe & Fittings Association
out that the service lives of rigid PVC pipes were over
50 years. Specifically, internal pressure creep tests years of service. This is proof that PVC can maintain its
revealed that rigid PVC pipes retain about three times mechanical strength for an extended period of time
the designed circumferential stress even after 50 (Fig.1-17).

(3) Processability and moldability

The processability of a thermoplastic material
depends largely on its melt viscosity. PVC is not meant
for injection molding of large sized products, since
its melt viscosity is comparatively high. On the other
hand, the viscoelastic behavior of molten PVC is less
dependent on temperature and is stable. Therefore
PVC is suitable for complex shaped extrusion profiling
(e.g., housing materials), as well as calendering
of wide films and sheets (e.g., agricultural films
and PVC leather). The exterior surfaces of molded
PVC products are excellent, and displays superior
embossing performance - enabling a wide variety of
surface treatments with textures ranging from enamel
gloss to the completely delustered suede. Since PVC
is an amorphous plastic with no phase transition,
molded PVC products have high dimensional accuracy.
PVC also exhibits excellent secondary processability
in bending fabrication, welding, high-frequency
bonding, and vacuum forming, as well as on-site
workability.
Paste resin processing such as slush molding, screen-
printing and coating is a convenient processing
technique that is feasible only with PVC. These
processing methods are used in flooring, wall
covering, automobile sealants and undercoating.
Interior decoration films

Viscoelastic body : Yield point :

Refers to material having both viscosity and
elasticity. Distortion occurs as soon as external
force is applied and thereby absorbing the force
(elasticity), but when the force is continuously
applied, deformation occurs to a certain extent
(viscosity).
When external force is applied to a material, elastic
deformation (strain) takes place up to the yield
point, and the strain disappears as soon as the
external force is removed. When the external stress
is greater than the yield point, plastic deformation
(permanent set) takes place and the material would
not recover its original shape even after removal of
exterior force.

11
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

(4) Others (versatility in designing

through compounding)
PVC has polar groups (chlorine), and is amorphous, of its superior printability, adhesion properties and
therefore mixes well with various other substances. weatherability. Patterns such as wood grain, marble,
The required physical properties of end products (e.g., and metallic tones are possible. Familiar examples
flexibility, elasticity, impact resistance, anti-fouling, include wall coverings and floorings, housing
anti-bacteria, anti-mist, fire retarding) can be freely materials, furniture, home electric appliances, or
designed through formulation with plasticizers and signboards and ads on airplanes, bullet trains, buses
various additives, modifiers, and coloring agents. PVC and trams.
is the only general purpose plastic that allows free,
wide and seamless adjustment of the
required physical properties of products Fig.1-18 Comparison of physical properties of PVC materials
such as flexibility, elasticity, and impact with polyolefin materials
resistance, by adding plasticizers,
additives, and modifiers.
Fire retardance
Since the physical properties of
end products are adjustable through 5
Moldability Oil resistance
4
compounding, it requires only a
3
few types of resin to cover all the
2
applications of high-polymer materials Exterior appearance Abrasion resistance
1
(fiber, rigid and flexible plastic, rubber,
paint, and adhesive). This controllability
is also extremely beneficial recycling-
Tensile strength Scratch resistance
wise.
The polar groups in PVC contribute to
ease in coloring, printing and adhesion, Compression Set Adhesion
therefore PVC products do not require
pretreatment, which enables a wide Gloss
variety of designs. PVC is used in
various scenes taking full advantage PVC materials
Polyolefin materials
Improved polyolefin materials

Source: "PVC and environmental issues" by Tetsuya Makino, Seikei Kakou, Vol.10, No.1 (1998)

4. Safety of PVC

(1) Production safety (2) Safety upon use

VCM, which is the intermediate raw material for
PVC, has a boiling point of - 13.9℃ and a flash point
of - 78℃ . Caution is required upon handling since it
is a dangerous substance in gaseous form. The PVC
industry in Japan handles VCM with utmost care at
PVC manufacturing facilities and has safe working
environments. No hazard has ever been brought to
local communities. Neither has there been any death
incidence or sufferers due to improper manufacturing
process control throughout the years.
PVC is a chemically and mechanically stable material
with excellent fire retarding properties, and is a safe
plastic under normal conditions of use. Fig.1-19 is an
excerpt of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
prepared by PVC manufacturers. The MSDS shows data
for the safe use of PVC.

12
Fig.1-19 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Product designation Polyvinyl chloride Explosion preventive measures

Distinction of single/mixed material Single material  Concentration control Not applicable
Chemical name Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)  Permissible Concentration None (Japan Society for Occupational Health)
Chemical formula (CH2CHCl)n  Measures for facilities Desirable to install local ventilators
Structural formula with dust filters where diffusion tends
H H
to occur
C C  Protective gears Use the following protective gears
when necessary
●
Respirators (dust masks in operation, and
H n air breathing apparatus mask in case of fire)
●
Protective spectacles
Classification # in official gazette 6-66 (Japanese Chemical Substances Control Law) (dustproof spectacles)
CAS No. 9002-86-2
●
Protective gloves
●
Protective clothes
Classification of hazardousness (not required generally)
Title of classification Not applicable to classification standards Physical/Chemical characteristics
 Danger None  External appearance White powder
 Hazardousness None  Property
First aid  Boiling point Not applicable
 If in contact with eye Do not rub, rinse with water for 15 mins  Vapor pressure Not applicable
and consult a physician  Volatility Not applicable
 If in contact with skin Rinse with water  True specific gravity 1.4 (20℃)
 If swallowed Consult a physician  Solubility Not soluble in water
Measures in case of fire Info on danger (Stability/Reactivity)
 Extinguish method Extinguisher must use air breathing apparatus  Flash ignition temperature 391℃ 1）

 Extinguishing Agent Water, dry chemical, foam Ignition temperature 454℃ 2）

 Others Irritant gas is emitted when burnt.
Major component of gas: HCl, CO and CO2.
Measures upon leakage Collect the diffused in empty containers
Cautions upon handling
 Handling Do not expose to fire. Do not diffuse
 Storage Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and store
at a well ventilated, cool and dark place
 Combustibility
Oxidative property
 Dust explosiveness
Stability/Reactivity
Info on hazardousness
Cautions upon disposal
Cautions upon transportation
Applicable laws and regulations None specifically
Self-extinguishing resin with
oxygen index of approx. 45
Stable in room temperature
Stable in terms of dust explosiveness
Stable under normal handling conditions
Unclear, but no case known
to show hazardousness
Incinerate by incinerators with exhaust
gas treatment facilities, or landfill as
non-dangerous waste
Avoid damage to containers
and collapse of cargo

References
1) "Plastic Data Handbook" Edited by Kimimasa Itoh. Kogyo Chosakai Publishing Co., Ltd. (1980) P.116
2) Same as above. P.110
Disclaimer
PVC PVC material The contents herein are based on documents, information and data available at the time of press.
(White powder) for molding However, no guarantee is extended as to the physical/chemical characteristics and dangerousness.
(Colored pellets) Cautions are meant for normal conditions of handling. Appropriate safety measures must be taken
for each special conditions of handling.

(3) Evaluation of carcinogenicity

In 1974, cancer incidents were reported among
workers who had been employed by the PVC industry
in the U.S., and VCM were reported to be responsible.
As a result of an epidemiological survey, a very rare
type of cancer (angiosarcoma) was identified in
workers who had been exposed to high concentrations
of VCM for an extended period of time.
Following this report, improvements of work
environments were accelerated through closed system
EDC/VCM manufacturing processes and automated
cleaning of PVC polymerization reactors, in the U.S.
and across of the world.
In Japan, a new guideline was introduced in 1975
where the geometrical average was to be within
2ppm in the general work environments and within
5ppm inside the polymerization reactor. Subsequently,
better process control technologies were introduced
such as enhanced polymerization rates and recovery
of unreacted VCM from the reactor. The PVC industry
also worked on the reduction plan for hazardous air
pollutants in cooperation with administrations (see
Chapter 3).
There were once cancer incidents among workers
who cleaned polymerization reactors for extended

13
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

periods of time, but

Fig.1-20 Evaluations of carcinogenicity by the IARC
after the carcinogenic As of Mar. 2008
effects of VCM surfaced, Substances
Classification Agents Mixtures Number
improvements were made
immediately for the safety Group 1 Carcinogenic to Asbestos, Alcoholic beverages, 105
and hygiene in the work humans VCM, 2,3,7,8- TCDD, Tobacco smoke, Soot
Formaldehyde, Cadmium,
environment, and methods
Benzene,Benzopyrene,
to use VCM safely was
Group 2A Probably Acrylamide,
established within a short carcinogenic to Ultraviolet radiation Diesel engine exhaust 66
period of time. humans Lead & lead compounds
For reference, the (inorganic)
International Agency for Group 2B Possibly Acetaldehyde, Coffee, Gasoline, 248
Research on Cancer (IARC), carcinogenic to Styrene, Pickled vegetables
which is a branch of the humans Lead compounds (organic) (Asian traditional)
World Health Organization Group 3 Not classifiable as Caffeine, Chlorinated
(WHO), classified VCM to its carcinogenicity drinking-water, Tea (black tea, green tea) 515
as substance belonging in humans DEHP,
PVC
to Group 1 (Carcinogenic
Group 4 Probably not Caprolactam
to humans) in June, 2001
carcinogenic to (raw material for nylon) 1
(Fig.1-20). On the other humans
hand, PVC was classified as
Source: IARC website
Group 3 (Not-classifiable as
to its carcinogenicity to humans), along with tea and caffeine.
(WHO is continuing its quantitative risk assessment on carcinogenicity).

with migration levels. On February, 1977, the Ministry

(4) Residual monomers in PVC
Trace amounts of unreacted VCM are found in PVC,
but their concentrations are not a problem upon
processing and use of PVC products. Food packaging
and medical appliances require stringent safety
measures; therefore the following specifications have
been established.
① Specifications for food packaging
■ Standards in the Food Sanitation Law
In 1973, a research was conducted in Italy where oral
doses of VCM were given to experimental animals,
which resulted in manifestation of angiosarcoma.
This lead to further investigations on residual VCM in
PVC across the world, and the US National Toxicology
Program (NTP) was one such example. In Japan, review
of the Food Sanitation Law started immediately from
a hygienic standpoint. Safety evaluations were made
based on residual monomer levels and its relationships
of Health and Welfare set the standard of residual
VCM in PVC to be below 1 ppm and announced this
through public notification No.17. The notification
continues to be effective to date.
■ Voluntary Standard by Japan Hygienic PVC
Association (JHP Standard):
In 1970, prior to the abovementioned public
notification, Japan Hygienic PVC Association (JHPA),
which consists of PVC manufacturers and PVC product
manufacturers, had worked out voluntary standards
based on the Food Sanitation Law in the form of
positive list (JHP standard: recommendable substances
for use/guideline upon manufacturing of food
packaging) ahead of the Responsible Care concept
(see footnote of page 38).
JHPA had decided to work out this voluntary
standard when the result of the animal experiment in
Italy was reported. By the time the public notification
No.17 was announced by the Ministry of Health and

Fig.1-21 JHP standard

The JHP standard by JHPA consists of:
1) Positive list (list of recommended
 raw materials to be used), and
2) Material test and leach test methods
for PVC food packaging based on the
Food Sanitation Law.
The level of residual VCM is stipulated
to be below 1ppm.
Source: Prepared based on "Voluntary standards for food sanitation etc. of PVC products, (JHP standard: version 12)" March, 1993, JHPA
■ Positive list
 ・A list presenting the designations of chemical substances which can be used as
raw materials, their quality, quantity, application and elution limit, etc.
 ・Polymer (resin), additives, plasticizers, stabilizers, antioxidants, UV absorbers,
surfactants, lubricants, colorants and fillers foaming agents, and others
■ Material test
 ・Substances not to be used intentionally or to be included in the product and their
test methods are stipulated
 ・Cadmium, lead, dibutyltin compounds, cresol, phosphates, VCM
■ Elution test
 ・Non-volatile residues, heavy metals, and consumption of KMnO4

14
Welfare in February 1977, reduction of residual VCM
had already been achieved.
The voluntary JHP standard is a comprehensive
voluntary standard that integrates official regulations,
and following the revision of the Food Sanitation
Law, the 1ppm limit of residual VCM was immediately
adopted (Fig.1-21).
② Standards for medical equipment
Another example of measures against residual VCM
is the case in medical PVC products including blood
bags, liquid/blood transfusion sets, artificial heart
lung apparatus and artificial kidneys. PVC has been
used safely for more than 40 years both at home and
abroad, in accordance with the Pharmacopoeia of
Japan, voluntary standards established by the Japan
Medical Devices Manufacturers Association (Fig.1-22),
and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). PVC resins
in compliance with standards shown in Fig.1-22 are
used for medical products. The level of residual VCM
is set below 1ppm in this application field as well.

Fig.1-22 Standards for medical apparatus

Test method for transfusion bags PVC compound I ･ II for medical apparatus
(Pharmacopoeia of Japan ) (voluntary standards by the Japan Medical
Devices Manufacturers Association)
Designation of Plasticized PVC transfusion bags Blood set, Disposable set for artificial
medical products heart/lung equipment, Blood tube for
hemodialysis, Blood catheter, Transfusion set,
Blood transfusion set, Others
Transparency/External No abnormality by visual inspection Same as with left
appearance
Material tests VCM Same as with left
below 1μg (1 ppm) (others: omitted)
Tests on eluates △PH, KMnO4 reducing substance,
UV absorption spectrum Same as with left
(others: omitted)
Biological tests Acute toxicity tests, Intracutaneous reaction Same as with left
Source: Prepared based on the document by the Japan Medical Devices Manufacturers Association

5. JIS and PVC Applications

(1) The Japanese Industrial (2) JIS for PVC products

Standard (JIS) for PVC
PVC is controlled under the following test methods PVC has a wide variety of applications, and
and shipped in uniform quality. PVC compound more than 200 JIS items are relevant. PVC products
is a form of PVC product but it is marketed as contribute to society under support by these vast
an intermediate material to be molded into PVC number of standards.
products. Therefore test methods for compounds are
also shown.

JIS K 6720- Plastics-PVC homopolymer and copolymer:

1∼2 designations, specification, specimen, properties*
K 6737 PVC: Method to measure impurities*
K 7117-2 Method of viscosity measurement with rotational viscometer*
K 7365 Method to measure apparent density*
K 7367-2 Method to measure viscosity of diluted solution (reduced viscosity of PVC/K value)*
K 7380 PVC homopolymer and copolymer (method to measure residual VCM)*
K 7381 PVC paste resin (method to measure apparent viscosity)*
K 7382 PVC homopolymer and copolymer (method to measure volatile component/ moisture content)*
K 7383 Method to prepare PVC paste (dissolving method)*
K 6723 Plasticized (flexible) PVC compound
K 6740 Materials for molding and extrusion of un-plasticized PVC (PVC-U) (Rigid PVC compound)
K 7366 Plastic: Materials for molding and extrusion of plasticized PVC (PVC-P)
* Changeover to a new JIS standard will take place in October 2004 in line with the international standardization towards ISO. 13 other new JIS standards will be introduced.

15
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

(3) Applications of PVC (PVC products)

PVC has superior features in one, and is used in
various fields ranging from the lifeline (water supply,
sewage, electric cable, etc.), basic industries (housing),
consumer products, and front line electronics, to
medical apparatus and products. The application
of PVC is divided, in general, based on the hardness
of products, e.g., rigid, flexible, electric cables and
others. The most prominent feature of PVC product
is applications requiring long service lives. Fig.1-23
shows the applications in the vertical direction and
the service life in the horizontal direction, with some
photographs of applicable products.

Fig.1-23 Applications
Fig.1-23 Applications and
and
service life
life of
of PVC
PVC -- 11 Long
Long Service life
Service life Short
Short
service
Long term
Long term (several
(some years∼50
years∼50years)
years) Less than
Less than aa few
few years
years
ducts, tanks, semi-conductor cleansing devices,
ducts, tanks, semi-conductor cleansing devices,
■ Industrial
■ Industrial clean rooms
rooms
flanges, other
flanges, other facilities/equipments,
facilities/equipments, clean
plates
Flatplates

anti static
anti static plates
plates

name plates,
plates, displays
Flat

General
■ General
■ name displays
construction materials,
construction materials,
sign boards,
sign boards,
stationeries,
stationeries,
agricultural applications
agricultural applications

displays
displays
Non food
■ Non food casing,
casing, separated trays
separated trays
producrs

■
Rigidproducts

packaging lightweight packaging

lightweight packaging blister packs
blister packs
packaging
dimpled sheets
dimpled sheets
■ Food
■ Food packaging
packaging packaging
packaging (for eggs,
eggs,
(for
Rigid

tofu, fruits)
tofu, fruits)
Films/Sheets
Films/Sheets

caps,
caps,
separated trays
separated trays
food trays
food trays
Others cooling towers,
towers, accessories
accessories
■ Others
■ cooling
toys,
toys,
electronic equipment
electronic equipment accessories,
accessories,
stationeries,
stationeries,
cards,
cards,
FDJ
FDJ

cards cards

Construction
■ Construction terraces, dormers,
terraces, dormer, carports,
car ports,blinds,
blinds,sheds,
sheds,arcades,
arcades snow fences
snow fences
■ temporary structures,
materials
materials temporary structures
Corrugatedsheets
Corrugated sheet

corrugated sheet
corrugated sheet terrace roofing
terrace roofing

■ Agricultural
■ Agricultural name plates,
name plates, construction
construction materials
materials
applications
applications

16
 Fig.1-23 Applications and
service life of PVC - 2 Long Service life Short

Long term (several years∼50 years) Less than a few years

■ Water supply waterworks

exclusive water works
simplified water works

waterworks

■ Agricultural paddy field irrigation pipeline

water irrigation for farmland

agricultural water system

■ Sewege public sewage system

farm village sewage system
development of housing premises
Pipes

Sewage system

■ Industrial, plant piping, well drilling, natural gas pipelines

facility industrial waterworks, marine structures, components
drainage water discharge facility buildings,
roadworks, railroad sathletic fields,
air conditioning, gray waterworks
water draining from retaining walls,
Rigid products

highways
■ Cable electric conduits (telecommunication,
protection signals, indoor wiring, lighting, vehicles)

optical fiber
protection cables
■ Other
applications aquacultures, hot springs, coil core

■ Special NTT cable protecting tube

purposes base pipes for PVC lined steel pipes
power tubes
power tube

pipe fittings
Fittings

adaptor for steel pipes right angle elbow Y shaped fitting

rainspouts, chicken farm spouts, accessories
Spouts

rainspout

17
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

Fig.1-23 Applications and

service life of PVC - 3 Long Service life Short

Long term (several years∼50 years) Less than a few years

■ Construction window profiles, wire screens, girt, bargeboards,
materials fascias, decks, trim, parting, angles, panels, ribs,
knobs, accordion doors, sidings window profiles

various construction materials

siding (exterior of stations)
Profile extrusion

siding (exterior of housings)

drain boards, bath tub lids,

■ Consumer
rails, hanger,
products
pen tray penholder

■ E&E wiring ducts, wire protectors, IC carriers

handle for radio-cassette players,
battery separators

speakers IC carriers
■ Furniture/ edges, trims, outside corners,
Wooden product squinches, deck plates
applications
Rigid products

decks, etc. counter table

■ Vehicle vehicle interior
applications

interior of JR sleeper express trains

■ For food soy sauce, Worcester sauce,
Blow molded products

packaging vinegar, seaweed

■ For non food cosmetics, shampoo, detergents

applications

various bottles
Other applications valves, flanges, night soil tanks, rain water sumps,
wastewater sumps, in-house sumps, keyboards

various rigid PVC

extrusion molded products
sumps valves/flanges

18
 Fig.1-23 Applications and
service life of PVC - 4 Long Service life Short

Long term (several years∼50 years) Less than a few years

■ Laminated printed plywood, PVC laminated steel plates non woven fabric
products printed films for interior finishing,
printed sheets for exterior finishing

hot springs (ceiling) theaters (walls) stores (exterior wall)

General films/Sheets

pianos (surface)

doors (surface)

■ Packaging various covers, fabric wrapping blood bags, IV infusion bags, food wraps,
stickers (labels)
shrink film
Flexible products

waste fluid storage bags

■ Vehicle instrument panels, consoles, door sheets, ceiling,
applications carpet, trunk room sheets, insulating tapes

■ Consumer furniture, accessories stationeries, bags, toys, raincoats, umbrellas,

products adhesive tapes, adhesive plasters

green house gardening,

Agricultural films
vegetables, fruits, paddy, tobacco

agricultural
PVC films

Artificial leather wallcovering, footwear

vehicle seats,
furniture,
baggage,bags,
garments,
stationeries

wallcovering, sofa

baggage, footwear

19
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

Fig.1-23 Applications and

service life of PVC - 5 Long Service life Short

Long term (several years∼50 years) Less than a few years

Extruded profiles waterstops, industrial hoses/tubes, gaskets (for residences, medical tubes, garden hoses,
home electrical appliances, automobiles), tubes for food, skipping ropes
machinery/equipment parts,flooring of housings

housing
draining hoses
Flexible products

material parts
side molding

table edges

artificial heart-lung catheter

various shaped extruded profiles refrigerator door gaskets

Injection-molded tarpaulins (canvases, tents, sunshades), mattresses, sealing sheets, dolls, shoe soles, boots,
products and civil work sheets, roofing sheets, waterproof sheets, insulation sheet gloves, industrial tapes
others

carrier cart
bumpers

vacuum cleaners automobile parts

Cable covering electric power cable, machine control cable, construction/housing

cable, electric wire for machine/equipment (cords, wires, harnesses),
consumer products, telecommunications
Electric cables and others

cables for construction power cords

works (low-voltage )
high-voltage cables

tape/ribbon cables
interfacing cables flat-shaped cables

Flooring homogeneous tiles, composite tiles, cushion flooring, flooring for stores such as
long sheet flooring, tile carpet, laminated tile department stores,
super markets, and DIY shops
Fiber fishing nets, ropes, insect screens, brushes, wigs
paints,
Others expanded products (floats, heat insulators, cushion material)

20