Polyvinylbased

Polyvinylbased is a nonstandard, umbrella-like descriptor used to refer to polymers whose structural backbone is derived from vinyl monomers. In practice, this term is often replaced by the more conventional term polyvinyl polymers or polyvinyl-based polymers, which encompasses a broad family of plastics and copolymers formed by addition polymerization of vinyl monomers such as vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, vinylidene fluoride, and related monomers. The class includes long-known materials as well as specialized fluorinated and functionalized vinyl polymers.

Synthesis and structure

Polyvinyl-based polymers are typically produced by addition (chain-growth) polymerization of vinyl monomers. Common methods include bulk, solution, emulsion, and suspension polymerization, often with radical initiators and various comonomers or crosslinking agents to tailor properties. The resulting polymers vary widely in crystallinity, polarity, and thermal behavior, from rigid, high-murahic plastics to flexible, transparent films. Some vinyl polymers are further modified by hydrolysis, nitration, or other chemical transformations to yield derivative materials.

Examples and properties

Well-known polyvinyl-based polymers include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, derived from PVAc by hydrolysis), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and polyvinyl butyral (PVB). PVC offers a range of hardness and flexibility with plasticizers; PVAc is important in adhesives and coatings; PVDF provides chemical resistance and high purity suitable for membranes and coatings; PVB is used in laminated safety glass; PVA is water-soluble and forms films and fibers.

Applications and considerations

Polyvinyl-based polymers are used in construction, packaging, coatings, textiles, electronics, and automotive sectors. Environmental and end-of-life considerations include chlorine content in many vinyl polymers, recycling challenges, and emissions control during processing and incineration.