What is Vinyl
Vinyl is POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)
Vinyl is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and a very durable and strong type of plastic. Over half of all the PVC manufactured worldwide is used in construction because it is inexpensive, easily produced, and lightweight. PVC in its individual form is rigid and stiff. It does not gain flexibility until plasticizers are added to it, the most common of which is phthalates.
PVC is a common plastic product used for vinyl siding, window frames, records (hence, vinyl records), plumbing, clothing and upholstery to name a few. In recent years, PVC has replaced wood, clay and concrete in various applications including home construction.
Properties of PVC
To produce PVC, vinyl chloride is first presented as a solution in water. Then it is placed into a high pressure chamber with a temperature of 50-70 degrees Celsius. The water removes and absorbs the heat while PVC eventually forms in increasingly larger pieces until the process is completed. It is then removed from the water, dried, and forms a white powder. This is now PVC and can be melted and shaped for nearly any purpose.
PVC Safety
PVC is synthetic and must be disposed of properly. Recycling is one way in which this can be done and is available for homeowners to. PVC can either be melted down and then reshaped or mechanically crushed and used in its most basic form, be it as artificial filler for pillows and bedding or packing material. PVC, when put into a controlled landfill proposes no serious threat to the environment.