Product
Supplier
Encyclopedia
Inquiry
Home > News > FAQ > What is the chemical formula of pvc and its physical properties

What is the chemical formula of pvc and its physical properties

ECHEMI 2022-09-23

What is the chemical formula of pvc is a question asked by many people when they want to learn more about the polymer of vinyl chloride. The following article explains that vinyl chloride has a chemical formula C3H3Cl3 and it is made from hydrochloric acid and chlorine gas.

The average molecular weight of this material is 333 g/mol, but the polymer can have a molecular weight up to 40,000 g/mol depending on its purity levels. Vinyl chloride can be found as a thin film on objects in direct sunlight or it may form into larger crystals that are sometimes referred to as ice cream in pvc pipes. When burned this material produces toxic fumes that are classified as hazardous air pollutants because they are known carcinogens or cancer-causing chemicals. This explains what is the chemical formula of pvc.

Physical features of PVC

1. solid

This material is hard, having low compressibility and non-volatility. In this polymer, chlorine has a significant lowering effect on the melting point. At 273℃, the melting point is lower than that of polyvinyl chloride (250℃).

2. brittle

The molecular weight of vinyl chloride can be varied from 500 g/mol to 40,000 g/mol depending on the purity level of this polymer. This variety in molecular weight can be found in the composition of the polymer compound and it should not be confused with its chemical formula which is C3H3Cl3.

3. transparent

This polymer is transparent to the naked eye, but has a milky appearance in UV light. This property makes this material an ideal component for plastic bottles and pvc pipes used for fiberglass insulation.

4. weak acid

In this polymer, chlorine has a significant lowering effect on the melting point. At 273℃, the melting point is lower than that of polyvinyl chloride (250℃). This lowering effect is because chlorine combines with hydrogen atoms from a vinyl group in the molecule to form higher-charged hydrogen chloride molecules which have a greater affinity for hydrogen atoms than those with lower charges. This property is used to make the material more soluble in various types of plastics, in order to buffer the higher melting point of the polymer.

5. flammable

This polymer can burn under certain conditions and has a high risk of explosion. This property is used in the manufacturing of PVC pipe for gas piping and pvc windows for home use because it provides an ideal environment for burning. The chlorine gas that is released from this burning material can be fatal if inhaled by humans or animals who have not been properly protected from such harmful effects.

6. hygroscopic

This polymer can absorb water from the atmosphere, forming a film on its surface that can prevent the proper functioning of various types of plastic. This property is used in the manufacture of outdoor pvc pipes and other PVC products where moisture control is essential.

7. petroleum product

This material is made from hydrogen chloride gas and vinyl chloride gas which are released in the manufacturing process. Some products make use of pvc pellets or powder for manufacturing purposes, but others use PVC sheets as material for manufacturing applications because this material does not oxidize when it is exposed to oxygen.

Uses of PVC

1. manufacturing of containers for storing petroleum products

These containers are used for the transportation of gasoline, oil, kerosene and other petroleum products. They are lightweight, strong and resistant to attack from chemicals used in the manufacturing process.

2. manufacturing of pvc pipes

This polymer is an ideal material for use in the manufacture of plumbing pipes because it makes them durable and resistant to damage because of cracking or breaking over time. It is also resistant to weathering which makes it ideal for use outdoors without the risk of pvc pipes breakdown.

3. manufacturing of pvc window frames

This material is used for plastic windows and other components because it is weather resistant. The material does not break down easily, even when exposed to strong elements like high temperatures and rain. PVC windows are ideal for outdoor use, but they can be used indoors provided the right measures are taken to prevent their exposure to moisture.

4. manufacturing of vinyl flooring

This material is used in manufacturing floors, wall coverings, ceiling and various other components that can be used for residential and commercial construction. It is a plastic material that does not rot or decompose over time.

In conclusions, what is the chemical formula of pvc, we will say that this material is a polymer compound. It has a chemical formula as C3H3Cl3 and its molecular weight is 333 g/mol. It can have variations in the molecular weight of its components depending on the purity levels of this material, which means its average molecular weight is between 500 to 40,000 g/mol. And this material can come in different forms including powder and sheets, but it can also be made up into pellets or granules. 

Disclaimer: ECHEMI reserves the right of final explanation and revision for all the information.

Looking for chemical products? Let suppliers reach out to you!

Comment
Comment

Trade Alert

Delivering the latest product trends and industry news straight to your inbox.
(We'll never share your email address with a third-party.)

Scan the QR Code to Share

Feedback & Suggestions
Send Message

Thank you for your feedback. If you require further assistance, please contact us by email at info@echemi.com or call us at +86-532-55729510.