Due to its ability to offer diverse properties cost effectively across a broad spectrum of end-use applications, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is second among plastics in worldwide consumption. Rapra's Practical Guide to Polyvinyl Chloride is packed with useful information for anyone working with this material. It provides comprehensive background on the resins and additives, their properties and processing characteristics, as well as discussions of product design and development issues. The book covers environmental and health concerns related to vinyl chloride monomer, dioxins, lead and cadmium based heat stabilizers, and phthalate plasticizers.

From the Introduction: “Polyvinyl chloride is a product based on the earth's natural resources: salt and gas or oil. Salt water electrolysis yields chlorine (in addition to caustic soda and hydrogen). Ethylene can be derived from naphtha when oil is refined or from natural gas. Chlorine and ethylene can be combined to form the monomer vinyl chloride. PVC results from the polymerization of vinyl chloride...”

Target Audience: Raw material suppliers, processors, and end-users of PVC.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

PVC Resins

PVC Additives

Testing and Properties

Design

Processing of PVC

Property Enhancement of PVC

Sustainable Development

Causes of Failure

Abbreviations and Acronyms

Index