History of Vinyl Chloride Polymers

In 1926 Semon tried to dehydrohalogenate high molecular weight poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) in a high boiling solvent to get an unsaturated polymer which might bond rubber to metal. Unexpectedly, he obtained plasticized PVC, a flexible product inert both electrically and chemically. This discovery opened the door to the commercialization of PVC, a plastic with an annual United States production now exceeding 6 billion pounds. Special PVC's and PVC products have been developed taking advantage of the many favorable properties. Rigid structural products from house siding to pipes are becoming of increasing importance. Two main types of polymers have been utilized: 1) one prepared by suspension polymerization, and 2) a special variety prepared by colloidal polymerization and spray drying. This latter material has been especially useful for making plastisols. Plasticizers and stabilizers were developed to maximize useful and nontoxic properties. Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production and co-polymerization evolved as lower cost processes, higher quality products, and greater manufacturing safety were introduced. Recent challenges for the industry have included pollution and carcinogenic hazards which have been overcome by imaginative new technologies. The rate of growth of the industry is shown graphically.