EPiC database - Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film

This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a plastic polymer characterised by good thermal and electrical insulation properties. PVC can be rigid (see uPVC) or soft. PVC is the third most produced plastic, globally. PVC is produced by polymerising vinyl chloride monomers, mostly through suspension polymerisation, followed by emulsion and bulk polymerisation. This generates heat and requires cooling and water. The resulting sludge is filtered, centrifuged, and dried, before being converted to pellets. These can be molten for moulding or extrusion. Multiple additives can be added to PVC to enhance its properties, most importantly phthalate to soften the PVC. PVC film is used in construction for flooring and electrical cable insulation.