Synthesis and structure of poly(vinyl chloride)

This article deals with the synthesis and structure of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by radical and other polymerization mechanisms. The features of solution, bulk, suspension, and emulsion polymerization of VC are described. Terminal structure and defect structures introduced in the chain during the polymerization are discussed. Control of core-shell structure provides one method to improve the thermal stability of PVC. Tacticity and crystallinity of PVC play an important role regarding the use of PVC. Radical copolymerization of VC with various vinyl monomers has been described to improve the thermal stability of PVC. Graft copolymerizations with other vinyl monomers including use of labile chlorine atoms are useful methods to improve the physical and thermal properties of PVC. Synthesis of block copolymers has also been described by mechano-chemical methods and using terminal functional polymers. Controlled polymerization can be achieved with anionic polymerization catalysts. Promising metallocene catalyst promoted polymerization of VC are also described. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.