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CHAPTER I
CHAPTER I
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Polyvinyl chloride was discovered in the waning years of the nineteenth
century. Its birth was not particularly glamorous. Scientists observing a
newly created organic chemical gas, vinyl chloride (C2H3Cl), discovered
that when exposed to sunlight this gaseous material reacted strangely. The
chemical reaction, which ensued, resulted in the creation of an off-white ac-
cumulation of solid material in the bottom of their test tubes. The scientists
had observed simple polymerization or the basic creation of a new plastic
material, polyvinyl chloride.
FIGURE 1.1
PVC PIPE AND FITTINGS INDUSTRY GROWTH
25
PVC Pipe and Fittings Shipments (lbs)
20
Worldwide
15
(Billions)
10
0
1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000
Year
A RATIONAL CHOICE
The range of useful properties afforded by PVC makes it one of the most
versatile of all pipe materials, a fact attested to by the variety of applications
and markets served by PVC pipes. The rationale for specifying or using
Flame Resistance: PVC pipe is difficult to ignite and will not continue
burning in the absence of an external ignition source. The spontaneous ig-
nition temperature is 850°F, which is well above that of most construction
materials. PVC pipe is sometimes referred to as self-extinguishing because
the products of combustion immediately combine with any available oxy-
gen, thus starving the flame.
Environmental Benefit: PVC, as a raw material, is energy efficient to
process. More than half of the raw material used in production of resin is
provided by salt, of which there is virtually unlimited supply. Similarly,
PVC pipe is efficient to manufacture and transport, using less non-
renewable resources than competing materials. However, a complete
evaluation of benefit recognizes the entire life cycle of the product, from
manufacture to disposal. Given the durable nature of the material, the long
life afforded by PVC pipe essentially eliminates the question of disposal.
Nevertheless, PVC is recyclable, with existing markets for recycled
material, and new ones continually developing.
Favorable Cost: PVC pipe is competitive with other pipes, particularly
when installation and life cycle operating costs are taken into consideration.
CHAPTER I
BIBLIOGRAPHY
2. Bulkey, Charles W., Robert G. Morin and Alan J. Stockwell, "Vinyl Polymers and
Copolymers," Modern Plastics Encyclopedia 1968, v. 45: No. 14A (Oct. 1968), p.
336.
3. Committee on Resin Statistics, the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), “Facts &
Figures of the U.S. Plastics Industry,” Washington, DC, (1997).
7. Penn, W. S., PVC Technology, Wiley Interscience, A Division of John Wiley and
Sons, Inc., New York (1967).
9. Engineering News Record, McGraw Hill Companies, Inc. (October 18, 1999).
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