Polyvinyl chloride
Third-most produced synthetic plastic, used in pipes and flexible goods.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the world's third-most widely produced synthetic polymer of plastic, after polyethylene and polypropylene. About 40 million tons are produced each year. It is a white, brittle solid that comes in rigid and flexible forms, used extensively in construction, plumbing, electrical insulation, and consumer goods.
- discovered_by
- Eugen Baumann
- type
- Thermoplastic polymer
- annual_production
- ~40 million tons
- density
- 1.4 g/cm³
- chlorine_content
- ~57%
- largest_producer
- Shin-Etsu Chemical (Japan, ~30% global share)
Lore & Background
Early attempts at commercialization by Ivan Ostromislensky and Fritz Klatte in the early 20th century failed due to processing difficulties.
Reader's Guide
Polyvinyl chloride is a cornerstone of modern materials, with roughly half of its annual production used for pipes in municipal and industrial applications. Its ability to accept large amounts of plasticizer—up to 85% by mass—allows a continuous range from rigid solids to soft gels, making it uniquely versatile. China holds about half of global production capacity, despite plant closures due to environmental regulations. PVC remains essential in construction, medical devices, and electrical insulation, balancing utility with ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
Did You Know?
- About 57% of PVC's mass is chlorine, giving it a density of 1.4 g/cm³, higher than polyethylene or polymethylmethacrylate.
- Flexible PVC can contain over 85% plasticizer by mass, while unplasticized PVC (UPVC) contains none.
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