What Is PVC Monomer? 

Ekansh Agarwal

Updated on:

PVC is a polymer, everyone knows, but what about PVC monomer? Do you know it? Don’t worry, we will discuss it in detail. PVC means Polyvinyl Chloride and it is an immensely used polymer. In order to generate revenue PVC polymer is one of the most valuable products in the chemical industry. More than 50% of manufactured PVC is used in construction for house siding, piping, etc, around the globe. As a construction material, PVC is inexpensive, hard, and easy to assemble. In the last few years, PVC polymer replaced traditional building materials including wood and concrete. Let me tell you about PVC monomer in detail. 

What Is PVC Monomer? 

PVC monomer is called vinyl chloride, which is a hard plastic that is made softer and more expandable by the addition of a plasticizer. In polyvinyl chloride, “poly” means many and it came from the Latin language. The monomer of PVC refers to a hydrocarbon group that is present in plastic. 

The PVC monomer formula is C2H3Cl. Many units of this formula are called polymerization to form PVC polymer. PVC monomer unit is derived from the ethylene molecule, C2H4. A chlorine atom replaces hydrogen to form the C2H3Cl, or vinyl chloride. When polymerization happens, this formula can be written as  (C2H3Cl)n, where ‘n’ represents the number of vinyl chloride monomers composing a particular form of plastic. 

While talking about PVC monomer structure, it is an organochlorine with the formula H2C=CHCl. There are two carbon atoms adhered to each other with a double bond and a single bond to three hydrogen atoms and one chlorine atom. 

Well, you know which monomer is used to make PVC. Let’s know about its properties. 

Also Read : What Is Amino Acid Monomer?

Properties Of PVC Monomer 

The properties of PVC monomer are, 

  • In PVC polymers, the stress or strain response is dependent on both time and temperature. 
  • They are less rigid and have high impact strength. 
  • It is easier to extrude or mould. 
  • PVC monomer has lower temperature resistance 
  • They are less resistant to chemicals and usually have lower ultimate tensile strength. 
  • By nature, PVC monomers are lightweight, sturdy, and abrasion-resistant materials. 
  •  Since they are durable, long life is assured. 
  • It is self-extinguishing due to its high chlorine content. 
  • It is an intrinsic flame retardant. 

After knowing the PVC properties, you should not ignore the PVC structure, PVC formula, etc. let’s know it. 

Click here – What Is Amino Acid Monomer?

Also Read : What Is Fibrin Monomer?

PVC Structure And Function 

While looking at the structure and function of the PVC, we will learn the PVC structure first. 

PVC Structure 

In the PVC structure, the double bond between two carbon atoms in the vinyl chloride is converted to a single bond as it shares out to the next vinyl chloride monomer, and so on, and so on. 

The basic component of PVC polymers is ethylene, a colorless gas derived from petroleum, and chloride obtained through the electrolysis of saltwater. Cl contributes 57% of the total mass of a vinyl chloride monomer or molecule, while C and H, make 38% and 5% contributions respectively. 

There are several types of plastics including natural and synthetic. All plastics are polymers of organic monomers. 

PVC Function 

The PVC polymer functions include support in building, packaging, electric or electronic, transport, and healthcare applications. It is used in flooring or unplasticized PVC is used in making window frames. One of the main functions of the PVC polymer is to make sewage and other pipe applications where cost or vulnerability to corrosion limits the use of metal.  

Facts About PVC 

The facts about PVC are, 

  • PVC as a polymer is the third most popular polymer in the world. 
  • It is one of the most used synthetic plastic polymers. 
  • PVC polymer is naturally white and brittle, it is widely used in construction, healthcare, and food. 
  • It is brittle solid and white, but it can be more flexible when plasticized, thus becoming a material that enhances our lifestyles. 
  • It is a widely sought-after material with a variety of applications, due to its high durability. 
  • It is used in the manufacture of apron shower curtains, raincoats, jackets, and sports bags. But, PVC use does not stop here, but is also used for multiple purposes.  

Follow Monomerof to know more about various monomers.

FAQ

What Is Monomer For PVC?

PVC is produced from its monomer, vinyl chloride.

What Is PVC Name Its Monomer And Uses?

The full form of PVC is Poly Vinyl Chloride. PVC is a polymer which is made from vinyl chloride polymerization. PVC is being used in a variety of products, including raincoats, wires, pipes, bottles, credit cards, flooring, etc. Since it resists water and fire, it is useful in producing many products.

What Is The Unit Of PVC?

Vinyl chloride

The repeating unit or monomer of PVC is vinyl chloride. Here, n is the number of units.

Which Type Of Polymer Is PVC?

Thermoplastic polymer

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one type of thermoplastic polymer that is currently penetrating many aspects of life through its wide use, and has become a universal polymer.

How Is PVC Prepared From Its Monomer?

For the preparation of polyvinyl chloride, the monomer used is vinyl chloride (CH2=CHCl). Polyvinyl chloride is prepared by addition polymerisation in which monomers are added in a chain. Vinyl chloride is treated with peracid under pressure and we get polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Click here – What Is Fibrin Monomer?

Is Teflon A PVC?

Both materials are durable, flexible, and resistant to chemicals and UV light. However, their key differences cause them to be used in different applications. For example, while PVC can be used as both an insulation and jacketing material, Teflon is typically only used as insulation.

Is Propylene The Monomer Of PVC?

So, the propene is not the monomer unit of PVC so option (A) is incorrect. The repeating unit or monomer of PVC is vinyl chloride.

Conclusion 

Above, you have learned that the monomer used to make PVC is vinyl chloride and also the PVC monomer structure. The monomer of PVC was first synthesized in the year 1872 by a German chemist called Eugen Baumann. Later in the 20th century, PVC was commercially used by the Russian chemists Ivan Ostromislensky and Fritz Klatte. The PVC polymer is amorphous in nature, and hence it is easily combined with other chemicals. So, this was all about the PVC monomer. 

 

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