PVC

PVC occupies a unique position amongst the comity of all materials of construction. It is the only polymer where the basic organic building block can be extended more than 3 times while converting into value added end products - the remaining material being predominantly low cost materials inorganic in nature. It is the only polymer which transgresses the boundaries of extreme elasticity to extreme rigidity with a unique range of flexural modulus values (3 MPa - 3000 MPa) - thereby yielding a versatile range of products from soft rubber like to very hard metal like applications. It is the only polymer where 60-70% primary applications go into very long life (more than 25 years) products thereby minimizing the waste load on our fragile eco-system It is one of the few synthetic materials which, while supplementing and complementing scarce natural resources, have emerged as materials of construction meeting unique techno-economic requirements of modern society. PVC is the predominant material that supports infrastructural requirements across the globe thereby meeting the developmental needs in this crucial sector; it would be impossible to conceive modern activities in Building & Construction, Water Supply, Power Distribution and Telecommunication without the use of PVC. PVC has also played a very crucial role in meeting socio-economic needs particularly in developing economies. The low cost yet aesthetic end products from this polymer have almost turned around the social lifestyles and societal demands and in meeting the aspirations of the poorer sections of economy.No other material can match PVC in its versatile processing techniques. The polymer can be calendered, extruded into rigid and flexible profiles, injection moulded, compression moulded, blow moulded, rotomoulded and slush moulded. It can be coated by various techniques like spread coating, spray coating, dip coating, fluid bed coating and it can also be cast. This inherent flexibility in processing techniques not only yields an amazing variety of products but also provides impetus in meeting entrepreneurial aspirations at various levels of skills and investments. PVC is the world's most thoroughly researched thermoplastic particularly in terms of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) aspects and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA).Finally, inspite of various sensitive environmental issues and the adversial role of Green Peace movements, PVC due to technological developments has not only survived but is indeed slated to be the eco-friendly star of the decade. Defying the predictions of several pundits on maturation of these products in the life cycle we can definitely look forward to strong growth in demand of PVC not only in traditional sectors but also in emerging new sectors and applications on the global horizon.