Polyvinyl Chloride
Revision as of 05:09, 22 June 2021 by Michel Lamontagne (talk | contribs)
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a polymerized form of Vinyl chloride. It take the form of a chain of Vinyl Chloride molecules.
It is the third most common plastics after polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).
In Situ production
PVC can be produced on Mars by polymerization of vinyl chloride, itself a product of the hydrochlorination of acetylene.
Polymerization requires the use of water as a suspension medium, a polymerization initiator and other additives. A typical initiator is dioctanoyl peroxide. The reaction is exothermal and requires cooling. The reaction product is long chain polymers of PVC, that are dried and pelletized. Degassed vinyl chloride is recycled.
Uses
PVC is used for piping and insulation of electric cables.
