Polyvinyl Chloride Resin
1. Core Features
The wide application of PVC is attributed to its unique chemical structure:
Flammability Resistance: The PVC molecule contains chlorine (accounting for approximately 57% of its weight), making it inherently flame-retardant. Once separated from the flame, it will extinguish itself. This is the key reason why it is widely used in construction and wire conduit.
Chemical Resistance: Stable against most inorganic acids, bases, and salt solutions, it is often used in chemical pipelines and containers.
Durability: Good mechanical strength and excellent wear resistance.
Electrical Insulation: It is an excellent electrical insulating material, suitable for the insulation layer and protective sheath of wires and cables.
Adjustability: By adding different types and quantities of additives (such as plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, etc.), its physical properties can be significantly changed, enabling the production of various products ranging from as hard as steel to as soft as rubber.
2. Main drawbacks
Poor thermal stability: Pure PVC is prone to decompose into hydrogen chloride (HCl) under the action of light and heat, so heat stabilizers must be added during processing.
Poor low-temperature resistance: It becomes harder and more brittle at lower temperatures.
The toughness needs improvement: Unmodified rigid PVC has poor impact resistance and often requires the addition of impact modifiers.
1. Product Overview
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Resin is one of the world's most versatile and widely used thermoplastic polymers. Produced by the free-radical polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer, PVC resin is the fundamental building block for a vast array of products that touch nearly every aspect of modern life .
The chemical formula is represented as (C₂H₃Cl)ₙ , with CAS number often cited for the polymer family. PVC resin typically appears as a white, free-flowing powder with a nominal specific gravity of 1.4 and a theoretical chlorine content of 56.8% .
As the third most widely used plastic globally—after polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) —PVC's unique combination of properties, cost-effectiveness, and processability makes it indispensable across construction, healthcare, packaging, and consumer goods industries. Its high chlorine content (derived from salt) means it consumes less fossil fuel feedstock than most other major plastics, contributing to its resource efficiency .
PVC resin is not typically used alone but serves as the base material that, when combined with plasticizers, stabilizers, and other additives, can be transformed into an extraordinary range of rigid and flexible products .
2. Key Features
Resource-Efficient Composition: Contains approximately 57% chlorine (derived from common salt) and 43% carbon (from oil/gas via ethylene), resulting in lower fossil resource consumption compared to other commodity plastics .
Inherent Flame Retardancy: The high chlorine content provides intrinsic flame-retardant properties, reducing or eliminating the need for additional flame retardants in many applications .
Versatile Processing Capabilities: Can be processed using virtually all thermoplastic conversion technologies—extrusion, injection molding, calendering, and compression molding. Also available as dispersion resin for plastisol applications (coatings, artificial leather, gloves) .
Tunable Mechanical Properties: By adjusting polymerization degree (K-value/polymerization degree) and plasticizer content, products can range from rigid, high-strength materials (pipes, profiles) to soft, flexible materials (films, hoses, artificial leather) .
Excellent Durability & Weather Resistance: PVC products exhibit outstanding long-term performance, with service lives exceeding 50 years in applications like pipes and window profiles .
Superior Chemical Resistance: Resists most inorganic acids (except fuming sulfuric and concentrated nitric), alkalis, and many organic solvents (ethanol, gasoline, mineral oils), making it ideal for chemical handling applications .
Good Electrical Insulation: Volume resistivity exceeds 10¹⁴ ohm-cm, making PVC suitable for wire and cable insulation applications .
Recyclable & Sustainable: PVC is fully recyclable, and the industry is advancing toward circular economy models with bio-attributed/bio-circular resins and advanced recycling technologies .
3. Technical Specifications with Explanations
| Parameter | Typical Value/Specification | Description & Significance |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | Polymer family (see individual grades) | Universal chemical identifier for PVC homopolymers . |
| Molecular Formula | (C₂H₃Cl)ₙ | Represents the repeating vinyl chloride unit . |
| Appearance | White, free-flowing powder | Visual quality indicator; should be uniform, free from discoloration or impurities . |
| Chlorine Content | 56.8% (theoretical) | Core compositional parameter; contributes to flame retardancy and resource efficiency . |
| Specific Gravity | 1.35 – 1.45 g/cm³ | Slightly denser than water; used for volume-to-weight calculations. |
| Bulk Density | 0.47 – 0.64 g/cm³ (grade dependent) | Influences handling, feeding, and processing characteristics. |
| K-Value (ISO) | 57 – 73 (grade dependent) | Core specification. Measures molecular weight/viscosity; higher K-value = higher molecular weight, better mechanical properties, but more difficult processing. |
| Polymerization Degree | 670 – 1400 (grade dependent) | Directly related to K-value; influences processing behavior and final product properties. |
| Particle Size | ≥99.5% through 42 mesh | Ensures consistent processing and mixing. |
| Volatile Content | ≤ 0.50% | Controls moisture and residual monomer; low volatiles critical for processing stability. |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | 80 – 86°C | Temperature at which polymer transitions from glassy to rubbery state. |
| Processing Temperature | ~160°C (melting) | Typical melt processing temperature range. |
| Decomposition Temperature | Begins at 140°C, rapid at 180°C | PVC releases HCl upon thermal degradation; requires heat stabilizers during processing. |
| Volume Resistivity | > 10¹⁴ ohm-cm | Excellent electrical insulation property; can be affected by additives. |
| Solubility | Soluble/swollen in esters, ketones, aromatics, chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g., THF, nitrobenzene); resistant to ethanol, gasoline, mineral oils | Determines chemical resistance and suitable solvent systems. |
Key Grade Parameters (Typical Values)
| Grade Type | K-Value | Polymerization Degree | Bulk Density (g/cc) | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Molecular Weight (e.g., TG-700) | 57.9-60.8 | 670-770 | 0.54-0.64 | Rigid sheets, calendered films, bottles, injection-molded fittings |
| Medium Molecular Weight (e.g., TG-800) | 60.3-63.0 | 750-860 | 0.54-0.64 | Rigid sheets, transparent films,排水槽, injection molding |
| General Purpose (e.g., TG-1000R) | 65.3-68.1 | 960-1100 | 0.51-0.61 | Pipes, profiles (window frames), corrugated roofing, flooring |
| Flexible/Plasticized (e.g., TG-1000S) | 65.7-67.7 | 980-1080 | 0.49-0.59 | Flexible films, synthetic leather, wire/cable insulation, hoses, footwear |
| High Molecular Weight (e.g., TG-1300) | 70.7-73.0 | 1250-1400 | 0.47-0.57 | Agricultural films, heavy-duty flexible applications, wire/cable |
4. Applications
PVC resin's versatility enables it to serve diverse markets, with approximately 65% used in building and construction in developed economies .
Building & Construction (65% of market)
Pipes & Fittings: Water supply, drainage, sewerage, irrigation, and electrical conduits. PVC pipes offer durability, corrosion resistance, and long service life .
Profiles: Window frames, door frames, siding, fencing, and decking. The "replacing wood with plastic" trend drives growth in this sector .
Roofing & Cladding: Corrugated roofing sheets, wall panels, and exterior cladding .
Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring, and resilient flooring .
Waterproofing Membranes: Roofing membranes, tunnel linings, and foundation waterproofing .
Packaging (8-10% of market)
Rigid Packaging: Bottles for water, juices, edible oils, and cosmetics; blister packs and clamshells .
Flexible Packaging: Stretch films, shrink films, and cling films for food wrapping .
Closures: Bottle caps and jar lids.
Healthcare & Medical Devices
Blood & IV Bags: Flexible PVC bags for blood collection, storage, and intravenous solutions.
Medical Tubing: IV tubes, catheters, dialysis lines, and respiratory tubing.
Masks & Gloves: Medical examination gloves, oxygen masks, and other single-use devices.
Pharmaceutical Packaging: Blister packs for tablets and capsules.
Electrical & Electronics (7% of market)
Wire & Cable Insulation: Building wire, power cables, communication cables, and appliance wiring .
Electrical Conduits: Protective tubing for electrical wiring.
Plug Housings & Connectors: Injection-molded electrical components .
Consumer Goods (4-5% of market)
Footwear: Shoes, sandals, boots, and shoe soles .
Sporting Goods: Sports equipment, yoga mats, inflatable structures .
Furniture: Furniture components, upholstery, and garden furniture .
Records: Vinyl records for audio applications .
Luggage & Bags: Synthetic leather goods, handbags, and luggage.
Transportation (Automotive)
Interior Components: Dashboard skins, door panels, armrests, and seat coverings.
Wire Harnesses: Automotive wiring insulation.
Sealants & Underbody Coatings: Protective coatings and sealants.
Agriculture
Irrigation Systems: Pipes, driplines, and fittings .
Greenhouse Films: Flexible PVC films for agricultural greenhouses .
Livestock Flooring: Durable, easy-to-clean flooring for animal housing .
Industrial Applications
Chemical Storage Tanks: Corrosion-resistant tanks and containers.
Ducting & Ventilation: Industrial ductwork and fume hoods.
Coated Fabrics: Tarpaulins, conveyor belts, and protective clothing .
5. Product Grade Comparison
PVC resins are classified primarily by polymerization method and molecular weight (K-value) .
By Polymerization Method
| Type | Description | Plasticizer Interaction | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Purpose (Suspension/Mass) | Most common type; produced by suspension or mass polymerization. Free-flowing powder. | Yields dry or moist powder when mixed with plasticizer | Rigid and flexible applications: pipes, profiles, fittings, films, wire/cable, injection molding |
| Dispersion (Paste) Resin | Fine particle size resin produced by emulsion or micro-suspension. Forms stable liquid dispersions (plastisols) with plasticizers. | Yields liquid slurry (plastisol) when mixed with plasticizer | Coatings, artificial leather, wall coverings, gloves, rotational molding, slush molding |
By Molecular Weight (K-Value)
| Grade | K-Value Range | Polymerization Degree | Processing Characteristics | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low MW (e.g., TG-700) | 57.9-60.8 | 670-770 | Easier flow, faster gelation, lower mechanical strength | Rigid sheets, calendered films, bottles, injection-molded fittings |
| Medium-Low MW (e.g., TG-800) | 60.3-63.0 | 750-860 | Good balance of flow and properties | Rigid sheets, transparent films,Drainage channel, injection molding |
| Medium MW (e.g., TG-1000R) | 65.3-68.1 | 960-1100 | Standard processing, good mechanical strength | Pipes, profiles, corrugated roofing, flooring |
| Medium MW (e.g., TG-1000S) | 65.7-67.7 | 980-1080 | Good plasticizer absorption, flexible applications | Flexible films, synthetic leather, wire/cable, hoses, footwear |
| High MW (e.g., TG-1300) | 70.7-73.0 | 1250-1400 | Higher melt viscosity, superior mechanical properties | Agricultural films, heavy-duty flexible applications, high-performance wire/cable |
Specialty PVC Resins
| Grade | Type | Key Characteristics | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-57 | Ultra-low MW | Excellent gelation, good flow, high transparency | High-transparent rigid products, complex pipe fittings, injection molding |
| B-60 | Low MW | Excellent gelation, very high transparency | Rigid films, sheets, pipe fittings, blow-molded containers |
| PR Series | Dispersion/Paste | Various viscosities for plastisol applications | Wallpaper, artificial leather, flooring, automotive sealants, dipping products |
| B-57C | Chlorination feedstock | High bulk density, good porosity | Feedstock for chlorinated PVC (CPVC) production |
6. Purchasing & Selection Guide
Select by Application & Processing Method
Rigid Applications (Pipes, Profiles, Fittings) :
Choose Medium MW grades (K-value 65-68) like TG-1000R
Ensure good thermal stability and consistent bulk density
For window profiles and outdoor applications, verify weather resistance
Calendered Products (Films, Sheets) :
Low to Medium MW grades (K-value 58-63) like TG-700, TG-800
High transparency grades available for clear films
Good thermal stability essential for processing
Injection Molding :
Low MW grades (K-value 58-60) for complex parts
Ultra-low MW grades (B-57, B-60) for high-flow applications
Ensure good melt flow and gelation properties
Flexible/Plasticized Products (Films, Hoses, Wire/Cable) :
Medium to High MW grades (K-value 65-73) like TG-1000S, TG-1300
Good plasticizer absorption is critical—verify with supplier
Higher MW provides better mechanical properties
Plastisol Applications (Coatings, Artificial Leather, Gloves) :
Must select Dispersion (Paste) Resins (PR series)
Consider viscosity requirements (low/medium/high)
Evaluate air release, gelation temperature, and final properties
Critical Selection Parameters
K-Value/Molecular Weight: Most important parameter—determines processing behavior and final properties. Higher K-value = higher strength but more difficult processing .
Bulk Density: Affects feeding, compounding, and throughput. Higher bulk density generally preferred for extrusion .
Plasticizer Absorption: Critical for flexible applications; fast absorption reduces processing time .
Thermal Stability: Essential for all applications; ensure adequate heat stabilizer systems are used .
Particle Size Distribution: Consistent particle size ensures uniform processing .
Regulatory & Sustainability Considerations
REACH Compliance: All additives must comply with EU chemical safety framework .
Bio-attributed/Bio-circular Resins: Available via mass balance approach for sustainable sourcing .
Recycled Content: Post-industrial and post-consumer recycled PVC options available.
Medical Grade: For healthcare applications, select resins meeting biocompatibility standards (ISO 10993, USP Class VI).
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does "K-value" mean in PVC resin specifications?
A: K-value is a measure of the average molecular weight of PVC resin, determined by viscosity measurement. Higher K-values indicate higher molecular weight, which generally provides better mechanical properties (tensile strength, impact resistance) but requires higher processing temperatures and may flow less easily. Lower K-values offer easier processing and better flow but lower mechanical strength .
Q: What is the difference between suspension PVC and dispersion PVC?
A: Suspension PVC (general purpose) is produced by suspending vinyl chloride droplets in water and polymerizing. The resulting resin is a free-flowing powder used in most rigid and flexible applications. Dispersion PVC (paste resin) is produced by emulsion or micro-suspension, resulting in much finer particles. When mixed with plasticizers, it forms a liquid paste (plastisol) used for coatings, artificial leather, and dip molding .
Q: Is PVC safe for medical and food contact applications?
A: Yes, when properly formulated. PVC is widely used in medical devices (blood bags, tubing) and food packaging (films, bottles). Medical grades must meet biocompatibility standards, and food contact grades must comply with relevant regulations (FDA, EU). Modern PVC formulations use strictly regulated additives under frameworks like REACH .
Q: How should PVC resin be stored?
A: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep containers sealed to prevent contamination and moisture absorption. Avoid storage near heat sources or open flames. Under proper conditions, PVC resin is stable for extended periods .
Q: Does PVC require additives for processing?
A: Yes. PVC resin alone cannot be processed into useful products. It requires:
Heat stabilizers: Prevent thermal degradation during processing
Lubricants: Improve flow and prevent sticking
Plasticizers (for flexible products): Add flexibility
Other additives: Impact modifiers, fillers, pigments, UV stabilizers as needed
Q: Is PVC environmentally friendly?
A: PVC has both environmental benefits and challenges. Benefits include: long service life (50+ years in construction), resource efficiency (57% from salt), and full recyclability. The industry is advancing toward circular economy with bio-attributed resins, advanced recycling, and strict additive regulations under REACH .
Q: What is the difference between rigid PVC (uPVC) and flexible PVC?
A: Rigid PVC (unplasticized PVC/uPVC) contains no or very little plasticizer, resulting in hard, strong products like pipes and window profiles. Flexible PVC contains plasticizers (e.g., phthalates, terephthalates, bio-based plasticizers) that soften the material for applications like films, hoses, and synthetic leather .
Q: Can PVC be recycled?
A: Yes, PVC is fully recyclable. Both post-industrial and post-consumer PVC can be mechanically recycled into new products. Advanced recycling technologies are also being developed to enable circular economy solutions .
Q: What causes PVC to degrade during processing?
A: PVC undergoes thermal degradation at processing temperatures (~160°C+), releasing hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas. This dehydrochlorination is autocatalytic—once started, it accelerates. Proper heat stabilizers must be used to prevent degradation, discoloration, and property loss .
Q: What is the typical shelf life of PVC resin?
A: When stored properly in sealed containers under cool, dry conditions, PVC resin typically has a shelf life of 2-3 years. However, always verify with the manufacturer's Certificate of Analysis for batch-specific recommendations.
8. Delivery, Certification & Service
Delivery Capabilities
Inventory Status: Multiple grades available from regional warehouses (Asia, Europe, Americas)
Sample Program: Small quantities available for qualified customers for formulation testing and evaluation
Packaging Options:
Research quantities: 25 kg sample bags
Industrial quantities: 600-700 kg octabins, 25 kg paper bags (palletized), 1,000 kg bulk bags (FIBC/supersacks)
Bulk quantities: 20-25 MT containers, bulk truck/train shipments
Special Handling: Keep dry; protect from moisture and contamination
Shipping: Non-hazardous material; standard freight shipping available
Quality Certifications
Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided with each batch, documenting:
K-value or viscosity
Bulk density
Particle size distribution
Volatile content
Apparent density
Residual VCM (vinyl chloride monomer) content
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available in multiple languages
Product Specification (PS) documenting chemical and physical properties
Certificates of Origin (COO) available upon request
Additional certifications available:
ISO 9001 quality management certification
ISO 14001 environmental management certification
REACH compliance documentation (EU)
RoHS compliance (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
Food contact compliance statements (FDA, EU)
Medical grade biocompatibility documentation
KOSHER/Halal certificates (by request)
Regulatory Compliance
EU: REACH registered; CLP classification for additives (resin itself is not classified as hazardous under normal use)
US: TSCA listed
Food Contact: Meets applicable FDA and EU food contact regulations (when appropriately formulated)
Medical: ISO 10993 biocompatibility testing available for medical grades
Export Documentation: Full compliance package for international shipping
Technical Support & Services
Technical Consultation: Polymer specialists available for:
Grade selection and formulation guidance
Processing optimization (extrusion, injection molding, calendering)
Troubleshooting processing issues
Stabilizer and additive recommendations
Custom Services: Tailored grades, blending, and quality specifications for qualified customers
Regulatory Support: Documentation for global compliance and product registration
Documentation Available
Certificate of Analysis (COA) with batch-specific data
Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Product Specification (PS)
Certificate of Origin (COO)
REACH/RoHS compliance statements
Food contact compliance documentation
Medical grade biocompatibility reports
KOSHER/Halal certificates (where applicable)
ISO certifications
