Technical progresses for PVC production

This review covers recent development of PVC production technologies of the suspension polymerization process, the bulk (mass) polymerization process and the emulsion polymerization process with some historical background. The development of process for the vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production is also explained briefly. Since the suspension process is regarded to be the most important process with its 80% share of the world total production, this review follows mainly the technology development of the suspension polymerization process. Because of the importance of hygienic problems caused by VCM, the technology development in the field of emission control is also covered. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.