Vinyl

Vinyl is a term used to refer to a family of plastic materials based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and related polymers. The most common form is polyvinyl chloride, a versatile thermoplastic that can be rigid or flexible depending on additives such as plasticizers. PVC is produced by polymerizing vinyl chloride monomer and is one of the most widely used plastics worldwide, found in construction, electrical insulation, and consumer goods.

Rigid vinyl is used for piping, siding, window frames, and signage; flexible vinyl is used for tubing, cables, flooring, adhesives, and vinyl upholstery or imitation leather.

Vinyl records are analog sound storage discs made primarily from PVC. They became the standard long-playing format in the mid-20th century, offering improved durability and audio fidelity over shellac records. Records are played on turntables with a stylus tracing grooves, and common formats include 12-inch discs at 33 1/3 rpm and 7- or 10-inch singles at 45 rpm.

PVC production involves vinyl chloride monomer, a regulated hazardous chemical, and may involve chlorine-containing additives. End-of-life disposal and recycling of PVC present environmental challenges, and some recycling streams recover PVC separately from other plastics. Plasticizers used to make flexible vinyl can migrate over time.

In everyday use, the term vinyl extends to flooring, siding, and other products made with PVC. The material is valued for durability and cost, but its environmental footprint has prompted ongoing efforts to improve recycling and reduce hazardous additives.