Polymers are made up of very large molecules made up of many repeating units called monomers, which ultimately form this long polymer chain
Suspension
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Suspension Grade is one of the most widely used thermoplastic polymers, produced through the suspension polymerization process. This method results in free-flowing, fine particles that can be processed into various products. Suspension PVC (S-PVC) is known for its versatility, chemical resistance, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice in multiple industries.
Structure
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) suspension grade is a thermoplastic polymer produced through the suspension polymerization process. In this method, vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) is dispersed in water with the help of suspending agents and polymerized using free radical initiators. The resulting PVC resin consists of fine, porous, and free-flowing particles with a relatively high molecular weight, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The polymer structure is primarily composed of repeating vinyl chloride units (–CH₂–CHCl–), forming a linear polymer chain with varying degrees of polymerization. PVC suspension grade is widely used in the manufacturing of pipes, fittings, films, sheets, and rigid as well as flexible products due to its excellent mechanical strength, durability, and chemical resistance. The properties of the resin, such as particle size, porosity, and bulk density, can be adjusted by controlling the polymerization conditions, making it versatile for different industrial applications.
Properties
PVC suspension grade exhibits a combination of excellent physical, mechanical, and chemical properties, making it highly versatile for industrial applications. It appears as a white, free-flowing powder with a bulk density ranging from 0.45 to 0.65 g/cm³ and a particle size typically between 50-250 microns. Its high porosity allows for better plasticizer absorption, making it suitable for both rigid and flexible products. Mechanically, it offers good tensile strength, typically between 40-60 MPa, and moderate to high impact resistance, which can be enhanced with additives. Chemically, PVC suspension grade is highly resistant to acids, bases, and many chemicals, ensuring durability in harsh environments. It also has low water absorption, which provides excellent dimensional stability. However, it is susceptible to UV degradation, requiring stabilizers for outdoor applications. These properties make PVC suspension grade ideal for manufacturing pipes, profiles, films, and various other rigid and flexible products.
Applications
- Construction Industry: Pipes, fittings, window profiles, doors, roofing sheets
- Packaging Industry: Films, sheets, bottles
- Automotive Industry: Interior trims, dashboards, wire insulation
- Medical Sector: Tubing, blood bags, IV containers
- Electrical Applications: Cable insulation, coatings
Advantages
- High durability and strength – Ideal for long-term use
- Excellent chemical resistance – Withstands acids, bases, and oils
- Cost-effective – Affordable compared to other polymers
- Low water absorption – Ensures dimensional stability
- Easily processable – Can be molded, extruded, and shaped easily
- Customizable – Properties can be modified with additives
Disadvantages
- UV degradation – Becomes brittle under prolonged sunlight exposure
- Toxic gas release – Emits harmful gases (HCl) when burned
- Health concerns – Some plasticizers used in flexible PVC may have risks
- Not biodegradable – Raises environmental concerns regarding disposal
Limited high-temperature resistance – Can deform under extreme heat
