CHAPTER 1:

INTRODUCTION TO
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was frst 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
fbers, 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
effciency, 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 felds 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 profles, fooring, decking
boards, and roofng 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.
Thermosetting resin
Fig.1-1 Synthetic resin and their raw materials
Source: "Dictionary of plastics in use", Industrial Research Center of Japan, Inc. Production Goods Work Station (1993)

Thermoplastic resin

Raw material (monomers)
Vinyl chloride monomer (Vinyl chloride: VCM)
Ethylene
Propylene
Styrene monomer
Acrylonitrile/Butadiene/Styrene
Bisphenol A/Carbonyl chloride
Hexamethylenediamine/Adipic acid
Methyl methacrylic acid
Ethylene/Terephthalic acid
Phenol/Formaldehyde
Melamine/Formalin
Caprolactam/Hexamethylenediamine
Trienediisocyanate/Propylene glycol
Bisphenol A/Epichlorohydrin
Dimethylsiloxane
Maleic anhydride/Styrene monomer
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)
2
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
Q A thermoplastic resin
Plastics are also called synthetic resins and are
broadly classifed 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.
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
flms 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 frst 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 flms
including polyethylene flms.
Q 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
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
and processed under strict control for safety. On the
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.
Q Resource saving and fre resistant
properties
Only 40% of PVC's composition is petroleum-
1. What is PVC?
2. Production of PVC
3
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 fre resistant plastic
with properties of chlorine containing substances.
When PVC is set on fre, the fames go out as the
fre source is removed due to its self-extinguishing
properties.
Q 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 infated toys including foats and beach balls,
flms 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 fber
protective pipes, wallcovering, fooring, window
profles (PVC saches), and furniture.
Q Contributes to energy saving and reduces CO2
emissions
Production of PVC requires little energy due to
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 effciency is three times as high as
that of metal such as aluminum when used as window
profles and siding boards. Therefore consumption of
fossil fuels such as petroleum can be cut back, which
contributes to further reduction of CO2 emissions.
(1) Linkage of PVC related
industries
Q Upstream of the PVC industry (the basic
petrochemical industry, the soda industry)
zEthylene 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.
zBy thermal cracking of naphtha, the basic
petrochemical industry manufactures ethylene and
propylene, etc. Naphtha is mainly supplied from the
petroleum refnery industry, which uses imported
crude oil as raw material.
zThe soda industry produces caustic soda, chlorine
and hydrogen via electrolysis using industrial grade
salt as main raw material.

Q 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 refning at the refnery 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.
22.1%
30.0%
70.0%
21.1%
12.0%
14.8%
100%



Fig.1-2 Production ratio of four major plastics (2007)
PE (total of HDPE
and LDPE)

Total plastics
14.61
million tons
Other
PVC
PP
PS (including
ABS and AS)
Total of four
major plastics
Source: "Yearbook of Chemical Industries Statistics 2007", METI
4
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
Q Downstream of the PVC industry
(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,
and consumer products.
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.
(2) Production process of raw
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
cracked to yield VCM at a few hundred
( Q 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 ( 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 fow chart of VCM
manufacturing processes shown in Fig.1-4.
LLC PVC
Fig.1-4 VCM production method
Oxychlorination
Direct
chlorination
Ethylene
Air (Oxygen)
Ethylene
Chlorine
EDC
Hydrogen chloride
Thermal
cracking
Thermal cracking
Polymerization
VCM
Source: Prepared from material by the Japan Petroleum Institute (JPI)
Fig.1-3 Linkage of PVC related industries
Naphtha Naphtha Petroleum
Petroleum refining
industry
Sea water
Rock salt
Salt industry
(Installation,
Assembly, Consumption)
End user industry,
Consumer
Upstream
Basic petrochemical
industry
Ethylene
Ethylene
(Electrolysis)
PVC industry
Industrial
grade salt
Industrial
grade salt
Caustic
soda
Chlorine
Soda industry
EDC VCM PVC
PVC
industries
Chlorine
(Processing Fabrication)
PVC PVC products
PVC converter industry
Downstream
5
(3) PVC production processes
Generally, the suspension polymerization process is
adopted to manufacture PVC. First, the raw material
VCM is pressurized and liquefed, 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.
PVC obtained through suspension polymerization is
suspended in water as micro particles of 50~200 m
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 refning, recycled as raw material for reuse in this
process (Fig.1-6). Emulsion polymerization process and
bulk polymerization process are also adopted.
Recovered VCM storage tank
Recovered
VCM
storage tank
VCM tank
Volumeter
Catalyst
Polymerization
reactor
Additives
Gasholder
Crude VCM
storage tank
VCM purification column
Vacuum
pump
Compressor
Purified water
Stripping
Tank
Centrifuge
Slurry tank
Fluidized-bed dryer
Screen
PVC
storage tank
PVC
Source: Prepared from material by the JPI
Fig.1-6 PVC polymerization process flow diagram
Fig.1-5 Process flow diagram for VCM
Chlorine
Ethylene
chlorination
reactor Air
(oxygen)
Ethylene
Oxychlorination
reactor
Direct
Caustic soda
Quench column
Caustic soda
washing column
Decanter
Dehydrating
column
Low boiling
point fraction
collection
column
High boiling
point fraction
collection column
Recovery column
Cracking furnace
Quench
column
Hydrochloric
acid removal
column
Monomer
recovery column
Caustic
soda
washing
column
VCM
Source: Prepared from material by the JPI
6
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
(4) PVC as petrochemical
product
QA petrochemical product manufactured
from ethylene
PVC is a petrochemical product, since its
intermediate raw material, EDC, is manufactured
from ethylene (Fig.1-7). 13% of all ethylene demand
during 2001 was used for production of EDC (ethylene
requirement breakdown). Almost all of EDC is used for
PVC production in Japan, although a small portion is
used for manufacturing of ethylenediamine, organic
solvents and various pharmaceutical products.
Four major applications, i.e., low-density
polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene
(HDPE), EDC and styrene monomer (SM) comprise
about 70% of all ethylene consumption (almost all
styrene is used for PS).
Q PVC industry and petrochemical complexes
The petroleum refning industry and the basic
232,153 thousand kl
7,739
3,890
3,603 3,142 2,162
2,097
1,135
698 754
3,533
1,749
125
547
727
230
58,403 thousand kl
(25%)
23,024 thousand kl
(10%)
22,630 thousand kl
(10%)
43,058 thousand kl
(19%)
53,946 thousand kl
(23%)
966
537
261
734 587
367
6,286
7,337
4,487
295
3,087
281
235
1,655 1,024
16
961
270
520
743
12,888
295
418
1,254
Fig.1-8 Production flow of typical petrochemical complex (focus on ethylene derivatives 2007)
Crude oil
Gasoline
Naphtha
Kerosene
Light oil
Heavy oil
Chlorine
Caustic
soda
Industrial
grade salt
Ethylene
Ethylene oxide
Ethyl benzene
Acetaldehyde
EDC
Organic solvents
Propylene
Butadiene
Aromatics
Others
Unit: 1,000 tons/year
Ethylene glycol
Styrene monomer
Butanol
Ethyl acetate
Acetic acid Vinyl acetate
VCM PVC
Phenol
Octanol
Propylene oxide
Acrylonitrile
Benzene, Toluene, Xylene
Ethylenediamine
PP
Phenolic resin
Phthalates*
*(for Plastcizers)
Acrylic fiber
Urethane foam
High purity terephthalic acid
Synthetic rubber
Polycarbonate
Polyester fiber
LDPE
HDPE
PET
PS
Acrylonitrile-Styrene
ABS
MBS
SBR
Polyvinyl acetate
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.
LDPE
HDPE
1.95
1.25 EDC
(PVC,
Ethylenediamine,
others)
0.98
SM
0.85
Ethyl acetate
0.75
Others
(Acetaldehyde, etc.)
1.58
Source: Prepared from chemical industry statistics by the Japan
Petrochemical Industry Association, materials by the METI
Fig.1-7 Breakdown of ethylene applications (2001)
(ethylene requirement)
Ethylene
demand
7.38
(100%)
(13%)
(17%)
(27%)
(21%)
(10%)
(12%)
Unit : Million tons
7
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
refneries, 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 fow of ethylene
which is one of fve 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
Q Ratio of VCM within the total
chlorine demands
Ethylene and chlorine are the major
raw materials for VCM. Therefore, VCM is
affected by the supply-demand situations
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,
VCM amounts to 40% of all chlorine use.
Therefore, the demand-supply situation of
chlorine has more impact on VCM than that
of ethylene (Fig.1-9).
Q 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.1-9 VCM share in total chlorine demand (fiscal 2006)
VCM 40%
Food 1%
Solvent 2%
Chloromethane 5%
Source: Japan Soda Industry Association (JSIA)
Propylene oxide 5%
TDI/MDI (raw material
for urethane) 8%
Others 39%

Chlorine demand
Domestic chlorine supply
Chlorine import ( )
'82 '83 '84 '85 '86 '87 '88 '89 '90 91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 '00 01 '02
2,781
2,391
390
3,025
2,530
495
3,163
2,681
482
3,253
2,666
587
3,292
2,715
577
3,502
2,901
601
3,763
3,119
644
3.921
3,271
650
4,043
3,445
598
3,967
3,407
560
3,914
3,361
553
3,737
3,269
468
3,943
3,367
576
4,188
3,544
644
4,328
3,598
730
4,423
3,861
562
4,203
3,684
519
4,419
3,903
516
4,285
3,883
402
4,042
3,689
353
4,074
3,806
268
'03 '04 05 '06
4,048
3,822
224
4,092
3,936
156
4,096
3,894
202
4,121
3,898
223
2,000
0
3,000
4,000
5,000
fiscal year
1,000 tons
Chlorine demand
Chlorine import
Domestic chlorine supply
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
Fig.1-10 Transition of the balance between chlorine and caustic soda
8
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
Q 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 defcit 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.
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.
L
LLL
J,LLL
J,LLL
L,LLL
L,LLL
c,LLL

Imported EDC
PVC production
VCM production
VCM production (EDC requirement)*
EDC dependency ratio (%)**
(1,000 tons)
JLL-
LHL
L,JJJ
L,cJH
J,L-L
cL
JLLL
.Lc
L,L.-
L,LHL
L,JL.
cc
JLLL
H-L
L,LJJ
L,LLJ
L,--H
c-
JLL.
LLL
L,LLL
c,JL-
L,LJH
L.
JLLH
L.L
L,-L.
L,LLL
L,LJL
Lc
JLLL
LLc
L,-LJ
c,JL-
L,LJH
LJ
LLLL
-J.
L,-JL
c,LcL
L,L-J
JL
LLLJ
cHc
L,JLL
L,HLL
L,-LL
JL
LLLL
LLL
L,LLL
L,L.L
L,-HL
JL
LLLc
LLL
L,JL-
L,L-H
L,-.L
JL
LLL-
JHL
L,JLc
L,L..
L,-LL
.
LLLL
JLc
L,JLJ
c,LcH
L,L-L
L
LLLL
cJH
L,J-L
c,LLH
L,.LL
JL
LLL.
LLc
L,JLL
c,J-L
L,Lcc
H
JL
LL
LL
L
L
JL
cL
cL
-L
'|
JLL- JLLL JLLL JLL. JLLH JLLL LLLL LLLJ LLLL LLLc LLL- LLLL LLLL LLL.
1,000 tons
Imported EDC EDC dependency ratio VCM production (EDC requirement)
X 100
VCM production (EDC requirement)
** EDC Dependency Ratio =
* VCM production (EDC requirement) = VCM production x 0.838
Imported EDC
Source; Yearbook of Chemical Industries Statistics, METI
Trade Statistics of Japan, Ministry of Finance
Fig.1-11 Transition of EDC import and dependency ratio on imports
3. Characteristics of PVC
9
PVC, PE, PP and PS are called general-
purpose plastics. The features of the plastic
are determined by the chemical composition
and type of molecular structure (molecular
formation: crystalline/amorphous
structure)(Fig.1-12).
PVC has a unique amorphous structure
with polar chlorine atoms in the molecular
structure. Having chlorine atoms and
the amorphous molecular structure are
inseparably related. Although plastics seem
very similar in the daily use context, PVC
has completely different features in terms
of performance and functions as compared
with olefn plastics which have only carbon
and hydrogen atoms in their molecular
structures.
(1) Chemical stability
Chemical stability is a common feature
among substances, containing halogens
such as chlorine and fuorine. This applies to
PVC resins also, which furthermore possess
fre retarding properties, durability, and oil/
chemical resistance.
Q Fire retarding properties
PVC has an inherently superior fre
retarding property due to its chlorine atom
components, and do not require addition of
fre retardants to its products. For example,
the ignition temperature of PVC is as high
as 455, and is a material with less risk for
fre incidents since it is not ignited easily
(Fig.1-13).
Furthermore, the heat radiation in
burning is considerably low with PVC, when
compared with those for PE and PP, and is
hard to spread fre to nearby materials even
while burning (Fig.1-14). Therefore, PVC
is the most suitable plastic to be used in
products requiring fre retarding properties
such as housing materials.
Q Durability
Under normal conditions of use, the factor
most strongly infuencing the durability of
a material is resistance to oxidation within
the air. PVC, having the molecular structure
where chlorine atom is bound to every other
carbon chains, is very resistant to oxidative
reactions, and maintains its performance




Vinylidene chloride
Low flammability Fluoroplastic
PS
Hard to ignite
Cellulose acetate
PVC
Nylon
PU
PE
Nylon
PVC
PE
PU
Methacrylic
resin
Pine wood
Pine wood
Cotton
Paper
Paper
Wool High flammability
Easy to ignite
Fig.1-13 Flash ignition and ignition temperatures of mateials
Source: "Technical Information: Five Properties of Polyvinyl Chloride"
by the technical committee of the Vinyl Institute,
1988 (PVC and Polymer, Vol.29, No.9, 6-11: No.10, 10-16, 1989)
Vinylidene
chloride
Material
91
250
315
746
859
1216
1325
1335
Maximum heat releasekW/m
2
)
Fig.1-14 Maximum heat release by various materials
PVC
Fire resistant ABS
Fire resistant PS
ABS
PS
Polyester
PE
PP
Source: PVC and polymer Vol.29 (1989)

Molecular form
Amorphous
part
Crystalline
part
carbon, hydrogen, chrorine carbon, hydrogen
Crystalline
The crystalline part is fixed,
the amorphous part is flexible.
Amorphous
Molecular chains are fixed.
PVC PS PE
PP
Chemical composition
Fig.1-12 Molecular structures of general purpose plastics
10
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
almost semi-permanently. In
contrast, other general purpose
plastics with structures made up
only of carbon and hydrogen
are susceptible to deterioration
by oxidation in extended use
conditions.
According to measurements
on underground PVC pipes by
the Japan PVC Pipe & Fittings
Association, a pipe used
underground for 35 years showed
no deterioration, and its strength
remained the same as with new
pipes (Fig.1-15).
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 (fexible 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
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.
Taking advantage of this characteristic, PVC is used in
exhaust gas ducts, sheets used in construction, bottles,
tubes and hoses.
Q 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.
/ L C
2000
1500
1000
500
0
/ L C
25
20
15
10
5
0
/ L C
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
/ L C
2
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10
13 years later
/ L C
400
300
200
100
0
/ L C
250
200
150
100
50
0
/ L C
400
300
200
100
0
/ L C
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Fig.1-16 Change of physical properties of recovered automobile exterior accessories
Degree of polymerization
Original
Plasticizer content (%) Hardness (at 23) Brittle temperature ()
Sample Sample Sample Sample
Sample Sample Sample Sample
Tensile strength (kg/cm
2
) 100% Modulus (kg/cm
2
) Elongation (%) Thermal decomposition time (mins)
Source: "PVC and environmental issues" by Tetsuya Makino, Seikei Kakou (a journal of the Japan Society of Polymer Processing), Vol.10, No.1 (1998)

M
P
a
|
JL L LL cL -L LL
LH
LL
L-
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
L-
T
e
n
s
i
l
e

s
t
r
e
n
g
t
h
Number of years in use
Fig.1-15 Aging of strength in rigid PVC pipe
Source: Japan PVC Pipe & Fittings Association
11
(2) Mechanical stability
PVC is a chemically stable material, which shows
little change in the molecular structure, and also
exhibits little change in the mechanical strength.
However, high-polymer material is a viscoelastic body
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
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
to PE and PP, which have greater molecular motion in
their amorphous sections. Through a joint research
with the Kyoto Institute of Technology, it was found
out that the service lives of rigid PVC pipes were over
50 years. Specifcally, internal pressure creep tests
revealed that rigid PVC pipes retain about three times
the designed circumferential stress even after 50
years of service. This is proof that PVC can maintain its
mechanical strength for an extended period of time
(Fig.1-17).
Viscoelastic body :
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).
Yield point :
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.
(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 profling
(e.g., housing materials), as well as calendering
of wide flms and sheets (e.g., agricultural flms
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 fooring, wall
covering, automobile sealants and undercoating.
Interior decoration flms
JLL JL JLLL JLLLL JLLLLL JLLLLLL
JL
LL
JLL
LL
Fig.1-17 Circumferential stress by internal pressure and
breaking time of rigid PVC pipes
C
i
r
c
u
m
f
e
r
e
n
t
i
a
l

s
t
r
e
s
s

(
M
P
a
)
Elapsed time (hrs) 50 years
Source: Japan PVC Pipe & Fittings Association
4. Safety of PVC
12
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
(4) Others (versatility in designing
through compounding)
PVC has polar groups (chlorine), and is amorphous,
therefore mixes well with various other substances.
The required physical properties of end products (e.g.,
fexibility, elasticity, impact resistance, anti-fouling,
anti-bacteria, anti-mist, fre retarding) can be freely
designed through formulation with plasticizers and
various additives, modifers, and coloring agents. PVC
is the only general purpose plastic that allows free,
wide and seamless adjustment of the
required physical properties of products
such as fexibility, elasticity, and impact
resistance, by adding plasticizers,
additives, and modifers.
Since the physical properties of
end products are adjustable through
compounding, it requires only a
few types of resin to cover all the
applications of high-polymer materials
(fber, rigid and fexible plastic, rubber,
paint, and adhesive). This controllability
is also extremely benefcial recycling-
wise.
The polar groups in PVC contribute to
ease in coloring, printing and adhesion,
therefore PVC products do not require
pretreatment, which enables a wide
variety of designs. PVC is used in
various scenes taking full advantage
of its superior printability, adhesion properties and
weatherability. Patterns such as wood grain, marble,
and metallic tones are possible. Familiar examples
include wall coverings and foorings, housing
materials, furniture, home electric appliances, or
signboards and ads on airplanes, bullet trains, buses
and trams.
(1) Production safety
VCM, which is the intermediate raw material for
PVC, has a boiling point of - 13.9 and a fash 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.
(2) Safety upon use
PVC is a chemically and mechanically stable material
with excellent fre 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.

Fig.1-18 Comparison of physical properties of PVC materials

with polyolefin materials
Fire retardance
Oil resistance
Abrasion resistance
Scratch resistance
Adhesion
Gloss
Compression Set
Exterior appearance
Moldability
Tensile strength
PVC materials
Polyolefin materials
Improved polyolefin materials
Source: "PVC and environmental issues" by Tetsuya Makino, Seikei Kakou, Vol.10, No.1 (1998)
13
(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 identifed 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
H
C
H n
H
C
Fig.1-19 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
References
1) "Plastic Data Handbook" Edited by Kimimasa Itoh. Kogyo Chosakai Publishing Co., Ltd. (1980) P.116
2) Same as above. P.110
Disclaimer
The contents herein are based on documents, information and data available at the time of press.
However, no guarantee is extended as to the physical/chemical characteristics and dangerousness.
Cautions are meant for normal conditions of handling. Appropriate safety measures must be taken
for each special conditions of handling.
PVC
(White powder)
PVC material
for molding
(Colored pellets)
Product designation
Distinction of single/mixed material
Chemical name
Chemical formula
Structural formula
Classification # in official gazette
CAS No.
Classification of hazardousness
Title of classification
Danger
Hazardousness
First aid
If in contact with eye
If in contact with skin
If swallowed
Measures in case of fire
Extinguish method
Extinguishing Agent
Others

Measures upon leakage
Cautions upon handling
Handling
Storage
(CH2CHCl)n
Polyvinyl chloride
Single material
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)


6-66 (Japanese Chemical Substances Control Law)
9002-86-2

Not applicable to classification standards
None
None

Do not rub, rinse with water for 15 mins
and consult a physician
Rinse with water
Consult a physician
Extinguisher must use air breathing apparatus
Water, dry chemical, foam
Irritant gas is emitted when burnt.
Major component of gas: HCl, CO and CO2.
Collect the diffused in empty containers
Do not expose to fire. Do not diffuse
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and store
at a well ventilated, cool and dark place
Explosion preventive measures
Concentration control
Permissible Concentration
Measures for facilities
Protective gears

Physical/Chemical characteristics
External appearance
Property
Boiling point
Vapor pressure
Volatility
True specific gravity
Solubility
Info on danger (Stability/Reactivity)
Ignition temperature
Flash ignition temperature
Combustibility

Oxidative property
Dust explosiveness
Stability/Reactivity
Info on hazardousness
Cautions upon disposal
Cautions upon transportation
Applicable laws and regulations

Not applicable
None (Japan Society for Occupational Health)
Desirable to install local ventilators
with dust filters where diffusion tends
to occur
White powder
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
1.4 (20)
Not soluble in water
391
1|

454
2|

Stable in room temperature
Stable in terms of dust explosiveness
Stable under normal handling conditions

None specifically
Use the following protective gears
when necessary

Respirators (dust masks in operation, and

air breathing apparatus mask in case of fire)

Protective spectacles
(dustproof spectacles)

Protective gloves

Protective clothes
(not required generally)
Self-extinguishing resin with
oxygen index of approx. 45
Avoid damage to containers
and collapse of cargo
Unclear, but no case known
to show hazardousness
Incinerate by incinerators with exhaust
gas treatment facilities, or landfill as
non-dangerous waste
14
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
periods of time, but
after the carcinogenic
effects of VCM surfaced,
improvements were made
immediately for the safety
and hygiene in the work
environment, and methods
to use VCM safely was
established within a short
period of time.
For reference, the
International Agency for
Research on Cancer (IARC),
which is a branch of the
World Health Organization
(WHO), classifed VCM
as substance belonging
to Group 1 (Carcinogenic
to humans) in June, 2001
(Fig.1-20). On the other
hand, PVC was classifed as
Group 3 (Not-classifable as
to its carcinogenicity to humans), along with tea and caffeine.
(WHO is continuing its quantitative risk assessment on carcinogenicity).
(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 specifcations have
been established.
Specifcations for food packaging
Q 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
with migration levels. On February, 1977, the Ministry
of Health and Welfare set the standard of residual
VCM in PVC to be below 1 ppm and announced this
through public notifcation No.17. The notifcation
continues to be effective to date.
Voluntary Standard by Japan Hygienic PVC
Association (JHP Standard):
In 1970, prior to the abovementioned public
notifcation, 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 notifcation
No.17 was announced by the Ministry of Health and
Q 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
Q 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
Q Elution test
Non-volatile residues, heavy metals, and consumption of KMnO4
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.
Fig.1-21 JHP standard
Source: Prepared based on "Voluntary standards for food sanitation etc. of PVC products, (JHP standard: version 12)" March, 1993, JHPA
Group 1
Group 2A
Group 2B
Group 3
Group 4
Classification
Carcinogenic to
humans
Probably
carcinogenic to
humans
Possibly
carcinogenic to
humans
Not classifiable as
to its carcinogenicity
in humans
Probably not
carcinogenic to
humans
Agents
Asbestos,
VCM, 2,3,7,8- TCDD,
Formaldehyde, Cadmium,
Benzene,Benzopyrene,
Acrylamide,
Ultraviolet radiation
Lead & lead compounds
(inorganic)
Acetaldehyde,
Styrene,
Lead compounds (organic)
Caffeine, Chlorinated
drinking-water,
DEHP,
PVC
Caprolactam
(raw material for nylon)
Mixtures
Alcoholic beverages,
Tobacco smoke, Soot
Diesel engine exhaust
Coffee, Gasoline,
Pickled vegetables
(Asian traditional)
Tea (black tea, green tea)
105
66
248
515
1
Fig.1-20 Evaluations of carcinogenicity by the IARC
Source: IARC website
Substances
Number
As of Mar. 2008
5. JIS and PVC Applications
15
Welfare in February 1977, reduction of residual VCM
had already been achieved.
The voluntary JHP standard is a comprehensive
voluntary standard that integrates offcial regulations,
and following the revision of the Food Sanitation
Law, the 1ppm limit of residual VCM was immediately
adopted (Fig.1-21).
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, artifcial heart
lung apparatus and artifcial 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 feld as well.
(1) The Japanese Industrial
Standard (JIS) for PVC
PVC is controlled under the following test methods
and shipped in uniform quality. PVC compound
is a form of PVC product but it is marketed as
an intermediate material to be molded into PVC
products. Therefore test methods for compounds are
also shown.
(2) JIS for PVC products
PVC has a wide variety of applications, and
more than 200 JIS items are relevant. PVC products
contribute to society under support by these vast
number of standards.

Fig.1-22 Standards for medical apparatus
Test method for transfusion bags
(Pharmacopoeia of Japan )
Designation of
medical products
Transparency/External
appearance
PVC compound I II for medical apparatus
(voluntary standards by the Japan Medical
Devices Manufacturers Association)
Plasticized PVC transfusion bags
No abnormality by visual inspection
Same as with left
Same as with left
Same as with left
Same as with left
VCM
below 1g (1 ppm) (others: omitted)
(others: omitted)
PH, KMnO4 reducing substance,
UV absorption spectrum
Acute toxicity tests, Intracutaneous reaction
Tests on eluates
Biological tests
Blood set, Disposable set for artificial
heart/lung equipment, Blood tube for
hemodialysis, Blood catheter, Transfusion set,
Blood transfusion set, Others
Source: Prepared based on the document by the Japan Medical Devices Manufacturers Association
Material tests
Plastics-PVC homopolymer and copolymer:
designations, specification, specimen, properties*
PVC: Method to measure impurities*
Method of viscosity measurement with rotational viscometer*
Method to measure apparent density*
Method to measure viscosity of diluted solution (reduced viscosity of PVC/K value)*
PVC homopolymer and copolymer (method to measure residual VCM)*
PVC paste resin (method to measure apparent viscosity)*
PVC homopolymer and copolymer (method to measure volatile component/ moisture content)*
Method to prepare PVC paste (dissolving method)*
Plasticized (flexible) PVC compound
Materials for molding and extrusion of un-plasticized PVC (PVC-U) (Rigid PVC compound)
Plastic: Materials for molding and extrusion of plasticized PVC (PVC-P)
K 6720-
12
K 6737
K 7117-2
K 7365
K 7367-2
K 7380
K 7381
K 7382
K 7383
K 6723
K 6740
K 7366
JIS
* 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.
16
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
PVC has superior features in one, and is used in
various felds 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, fexible, 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.
(3) Applications of PVC (PVC products)
Fig.1-23 Applications and
service life of PVC - 1
Long Short Service life
Long term (some years50 years) Less than a few years
ducts, tanks, semi-conductor cleansing devices,
flanges, other facilities/equipments,
anti static plates
Q Industrial
Q General
name plates,
construction materials,
sign boards,
stationeries,
agricultural applications
F
l
a
t

p
l
a
t
e
s
R
i
g
i
d

p
r
o
d
u
c
r
s
F
i
l
m
s
/
S
h
e
e
t
s
Q Construction
materials
C
o
r
r
u
g
a
t
e
d

s
h
e
e
t
corrugated sheet
Q Agricultural
applications
name plates, construction materials
terrace roofing
displays
displays
separated trays
separated trays
blister packs
Q Non food
packaging
dimpled sheets

packaging
(for eggs,
tofu, fruits)
caps,
food trays
Q Food
packaging
Q Others
cooling towers,
toys,
electronic equipment accessories,
stationeries,
cards,
FDJ
terraces, dormer, carports, blinds, sheds, arcades,
accessories
cards
temporary structures,
snow fences
casing,
lightweight packaging
clean rooms
Fig.1-23 Applications and
service life of PVC - 1
Long Short Service life
Long term (several years50 years) Less than a few years
ducts, tanks, semi-conductor cleansing devices,
flanges, other facilities/equipments,
anti static plates
Q Industrial
Q General
name plates,
construction materials,
sign boards,
stationeries,
agricultural applications
F
l
a
t

p
l
a
t
e
s
R
i
g
i
d

p
r
o
d
u
c
t
s
F
i
l
m
s
/
S
h
e
e
t
s
Q Construction
materials
C
o
r
r
u
g
a
t
e
d

s
h
e
e
t
s
corrugated sheet
Q Agricultural
applications
name plates, construction materials
terrace roofing
displays
displays
separated trays
separated trays
blister packs
Q Non food
packaging
dimpled sheets

packaging
(for eggs,
tofu, fruits)
caps,
food trays
Q Food
packaging
Q Others
cooling towers,
toys,
electronic equipment accessories,
stationeries,
cards,
FDJ
terraces, dormers, car ports, blinds, sheds, arcades
accessories
cards
temporary structures
snow fences
casing,
lightweight packaging
clean rooms
17
agricultural water system
Fig.1-23 Applications and
service life of PVC - 2
Long Short Service life
Long term (several years50 years) Less than a few years
R
i
g
i
d

p
r
o
d
u
c
t
s
Q Water supply
Q Agricultural
water
Q Sewege
Q Industrial,
facility
drainage
Q Cable
protection
P
i
p
e
s
F
i
t
t
i
n
g
s
S
p
o
u
t
s
Q Other
applications
power tube
Q Special
purposes
base pipes for PVC lined steel pipes
adaptor for steel pipes right angle elbow
rainspouts, chicken farm spouts, accessories
plant piping, well drilling, natural gas pipelines
industrial waterworks, marine structures, components
water discharge facility buildings,
roadworks, railroad sathletic fields,
air conditioning, gray waterworks
water draining from retaining walls,
highways
electric conduits (telecommunication,
signals, indoor wiring, lighting, vehicles)
optical fiber
protection cables
aquacultures, hot springs, coil core
NTT cable protecting tube
power tubes
pipe fittings
paddy field irrigation pipeline
irrigation for farmland
waterworks
exclusive water works
simplified water works
public sewage system
farm village sewage system
development of housing premises
Sewage system
waterworks
Y shaped fitting
rainspout
18
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
Fig.1-23 Applications and
service life of PVC - 3
Long Short Service life
Long term (several years50 years) Less than a few years
R
i
g
i
d

p
r
o
d
u
c
t
s
P
r
o
f
i
l
e

e
x
t
r
u
s
i
o
n
Q Construction
materials
window profiles, wire screens, girt, bargeboards,
fascias, decks, trim, parting, angles, panels, ribs,
knobs, accordion doors, sidings
window profiles
siding (exterior of housings) siding (exterior of stations)
various construction materials
Q Consumer
products
drain boards, bath tub lids,
rails, hanger,
pen tray
Q E&E
wiring ducts, wire protectors,
handle for radio-cassette players,
battery separators
speakers
IC carriers
IC carriers
Q Furniture/
Wooden product
applications
edges, trims, outside corners,
squinches, deck plates
decks, etc. counter table
Q Vehicle
applications
vehicle interior
interior of JR sleeper express trains
Q For food
packaging
soy sauce, Worcester sauce,
vinegar, seaweed
Q For non food
applications
cosmetics, shampoo, detergents
Other applications
valves, flanges, night soil tanks, rain water sumps,
wastewater sumps, in-house sumps, keyboards
sumps valves/flanges
various rigid PVC
extrusion molded products
various bottles
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penholder
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Fig.1-23 Applications and
service life of PVC - 4
Long Short Service life
Long term (several years50 years) Less than a few years
non woven fabric
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p
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Q Laminated
products
printed plywood, PVC laminated steel plates
printed films for interior finishing,
printed sheets for exterior finishing
hot springs (ceiling) theaters (walls) stores (exterior wall)
doors (surface)
pianos (surface)
Q Packaging various covers, fabric wrapping
blood bags, IV infusion bags, food wraps,
stickers (labels)
shrink film
waste fluid storage bags
Q Vehicle
applications
instrument panels, consoles, door sheets, ceiling,
carpet, trunk room sheets, insulating tapes
Q Consumer
products
furniture, accessories
Agricultural films
green house gardening,
vegetables, fruits, paddy, tobacco
Artificial leather
wallcovering,
vehicle seats,
furniture,
baggage,bags,
garments,
stationeries
wallcovering, sofa
baggage, footwear
stationeries, bags, toys, raincoats, umbrellas,
adhesive tapes, adhesive plasters
agricultural
PVC films
footwear
20
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
Fig.1-23 Applications and
service life of PVC - 5
Long Short Service life
Long term (several years50 years) Less than a few years
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p
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waterstops, industrial hoses/tubes, gaskets (for residences,
home electrical appliances, automobiles),
machinery/equipment parts,flooring of housings
Extruded profiles
medical tubes, garden hoses,
tubes for food, skipping ropes
draining hoses
housing
material parts
table edges
side molding
artificial heart-lung catheter
various shaped extruded profiles refrigerator door gaskets
Injection-molded
products and
others
tarpaulins (canvases, tents, sunshades), mattresses, sealing sheets,
civil work sheets, roofing sheets, waterproof sheets, insulation sheet
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
high-voltage cables
cables for construction
works (low-voltage )
power cords
interfacing cables flat-shaped cables
tape/ribbon cables
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Flooring
homogeneous tiles, composite tiles, cushion flooring,
long sheet flooring, tile carpet, laminated tile
flooring for stores such as
department stores,
super markets, and DIY shops
Fiber fishing nets, ropes, insect screens, brushes, wigs
Others
paints,
expanded products (floats, heat insulators, cushion material)
dolls, shoe soles, boots,
gloves, industrial tapes