Chemical Structure of PVC

Recycle Mark of PVC Product

For those who are not familiar with PVC, it is the abbreviation of　Polyvinyl Chloride. In fact, it is a polymer that is widely used over many decades.

The main ingredient of PVC is sea salt. After extensive processing, it becomes “Caustic Soda” and “Chlorine Gas”. Then, the Chlorine Gas will be further processed and turn into EDC, which is then made into VCM, and VCM is main ingredient of making PVC Resin and thus become PVC compound after properly mixed with plasticizer and additives.

The mechanical characteristic of PVC varies from Shore A 20º to Shore D 90º. Its’ Vicat softening point may reached 105ºC. It is a natural self-distinguished material. With proper formulation, common problems like aging or migration can be omitted.

It does not require pre-condition. Further production stages like silkscreen printing and painting is allowed. Processing PVC compound is easy, average temperature is around 150ºC (+/- 15ºC).

Recycling PVC is easy. Although there is not any government sponsored recycling scheme. But PVC recycling industry has had a long history in Hong Kong & in the PRC. Many of those are pipe manufacturers for housing constructions.

Compare to other thermoplastics, PVC has low energy (or heat) consumption while processing or recycling. That means the price for processing PVC is lower.