Polyvinyl Chloride

From Marspedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Polyvinyl chloride molecule

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.