Poly(vinyl chloride) processes and products

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) resins are synthesized using four primary polymerization techniques: suspension, emulsion, bulk, and solution.
• Each method yields PVC resins with distinct physical characteristics, including particle size, porosity, and residual monomer content.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate the properties of PVC resins produced by various polymerization methods.
• To highlight the implications of these differences for assessing occupational health hazards.

Main Methods:

• Categorization of PVC resins based on their production process (suspension, emulsion, bulk, solution).
• Description of key physical attributes for each resin type, such as particle morphology and porosity.
• Analysis of free monomer content in different PVC resin types.

Main Results:

• Suspension PVC resins are granular and relatively dust-free.
• Emulsion PVC resins are fine powders with minimal free monomer.
• Bulk PVC resins exhibit higher porosity compared to suspension types.
• Solution PVC resins are small particles with high porosity and negligible free monomer.

Conclusions:

• The diverse characteristics of PVC resins preclude broad generalizations regarding health risks.
• Accurate assessment of occupational hazards requires specific identification of the PVC production process and the resulting product.