Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is indeed a versatile and widely used polymer.

Properties and Applications

• Properties
  • Chemical Resistance: PVC shows good resistance to dilute acids, dilute alkalis, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and alcohols (with variable performance in some cases for oils, greases, and halogenated hydrocarbons, and poor resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons). It is durable and can be made into rigid or flexible forms depending on the addition of additives.
  • Other Properties: It has a density of 1.38 g/cm³, a tensile strength of 2.60 N/mm², and a notched impact strength ranging from 2.0 - 45 kJ/m². Its thermal coefficient of expansion is 80 x 10⁻⁶, and the maximum continuous use temperature is 60 °C.
• Applications5
  • Construction: Used for pipes, window frames, flooring, roofing membranes, and electrical conduits due to its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance.
  • Automotive: Employed in interior trims, upholstery, door panels, and cable insulation.
  • Packaging: Found in PVC films, blister packs, shrink wraps, and bottles.
  • Electronics: Used for wire insulation, cable sheathing, computer housing, and connectors due to its electrical insulation properties.
  • Healthcare: Used in blood bags, IV tubes, medical tubing, and surgical gloves because of its biocompatibility, flexibility, and ease of sterilization.
  • Consumer Goods: Such as vinyl records, toys, footwear, and bags.

Environmental and Health Concerns

• Environmental Concerns
  • Production Emissions: The production of PVC involves toxic chemicals like vinyl chloride. Chlorine gas use in production can release dioxins and other harmful chemicals, contributing to air and water pollution. It is also energy-intensive, relying on petroleum and salt extraction and processing, which adds to greenhouse gas emissions1.
  • Disposal Issues: PVC is not easily biodegradable. When incinerated, it releases toxic emissions like chlorine gas and dioxins. In landfills, it can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and water, and it persists in the environment for a long time1.
  • Recycling Challenges: Although recyclable in theory, the variety of additives in PVC makes recycling difficult, resulting in much of it ending up in landfills or being incinerated.
• Health Concerns
  • Carcinogenicity: Vinyl chloride, the raw material for PVC production, is a human carcinogen. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of liver cancer, lung cancer, and certain lymphomas3.
  • Respiratory Problems: Production, use, and disposal of PVC release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, especially in those with pre-existing respiratory conditions3.
  • Endocrine Disruption: Chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) used in PVC production can disrupt the body's hormonal system, leading to reproductive disorders, developmental problems in children, and hormonal imbalances3.
  • Allergic Reactions: Additives and stabilizers in PVC products, such as lead, cadmium, and phthalates, can trigger skin allergies and other adverse reactions upon direct contact, causing skin irritation, rash, etc.3.

Solutions and Future Directions

• Improving Production Processes: Research aims to reduce emissions during production, such as by promoting energy-efficient manufacturing technologies and stricter regulation of toxic chemical releases.
• Enhancing Recycling: Developing better recycling methods to increase the circularity of PVC materials, despite the challenges posed by additives.
• Finding Alternative Additives: Replacing hazardous additives like phthalates with safer alternatives such as citrate esters, epoxidized soybean oil, 1, 2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH), and polymeric plasticizers4.