What Is A Polymer Of Vinyl Chloride And Its Uses?

A polymer of vinyl chloride is a polymer that contains vinyl chloride as the repeating monomer. Vinyl chloride is a compound with the chemical formula H2C=CHCl. It is a toxic gas, and exposure to it may cause liver cancer, birth defects, and nervous system effects.

It typically consists of many units of this chemical monomer in a long chainlike shape. The joining together of these chains forms a type of plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Polyvinyl chloride plastics have many different uses, from water pipes to food wrap to shower curtains. They are used because they are inexpensive, easy to assemble and transport, nontoxic when new but can release gases over time as they age or when damaged by heat.

Some of the uses of a polymer of vinyl chloride

1. Plastic water pipes

This polymer can be made into the shape of a water pipe that carries drinking water, and it can resist corrosion. The pipes are relatively inexpensive, but they are not suitable for hot water. One problem with PVC plastic pipes is that they release small amounts of vinyl chloride gas as they age, or when heated and damaged by fire. This causes the water inside the pipe to become contaminated with traces of vinyl chloride at a level considered unsafe by most countries (if this happens you should stop using your water supply). Also see below:

2. Clothes, shoes and bags

Manufacturers make products with a polymer of vinyl chloride that can last longer without breaking down or releasing toxic fumes. This polymer is used to make PVC fabric (clothes, shoes and bags), which is inexpensive but heavy and not as strong as similar fabrics made from natural materials. It has become popular because it wears well, because it is wrinkle resistant, and because although it may release vapors over time as it degrades (the process by which substances change into different substances), these are not toxic.

Some people have a sensitivity to this polymer, experiencing skin rashes or asthma-like symptoms from handling clothes made with it. Some people are also allergic to the added chemicals that make it stabilize (keep from degrading) and waterproof.

3. Car accessories and sports equipment

This polymer is used to make car accessories such as wiring, windscreen wipers, and door panels because it does not become brittle with age. It is also used for plastic parts in electronic equipment as well as for sports equipment such as rackets, skis, ski poles, fishing rods and golf clubs. These items are inexpensive but may start to degrade over time. Plastic bags containing dry foods may also be made of this polymer so that they will not break down or release gas over time.

4. Synthetic rubber and plastic

This polymer is also used to make synthetic rubber and to make synthetic plastics that are used in plastic products such as: car tyres, garden hoses and bicycle frames. These products do not degrade quickly or release toxic fumes when they age. They may also release small amounts of gases when they are damaged or in contact with other substances that release these gasses, such as fire. The polymer of vinyl chloride has some good features: it is inexpensive, easy to use at room temperature and does not melt at high temperatures because of its high melting point.

5. Furniture and toys

Some indoor furniture and children's toys are made of it to make them soft. UV stabilizers (chemicals added to the plastic to prevent further degradation) can be added to make it resistant to sunlight. However, the gasses released from this polymer, as it is degraded by heat, can cause asthma and skin rashes in people with a sensitivity. Some companies also use this polymer in clothes that they say will not release gases that cause smells or asthma-like symptoms. The advantage of this type of plastic is that it does not become brittle or crack with age.

6. Plastic film

This polymer is also used to make plastic film. Film is used for wrapping foods and objects such as photographs, documents and books. It is cut into sheets for use in theaters, cinemas and in gardens, where it can be placed on the floor and used to prevent weeds from growing. This film is not all one sheet, but instead may be cut into squares of different sizes depending on the intended use. Plastic film does not release toxic fumes when damaged or aged but can become brittle with age. Some people can be sensitive to plastic films made from this polymer, so you should wash your hands after handling these products.