Vinyl polymers

Description

The common definition for 'vinyl' is a plastic used to make records, clothing and as a coating for floors, wall and furniture. Chemically, the term 'vinyl', refers to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic polymer, combined with various additives to achieve specific properties. However, the vinyl polymeric family consists of a large number of polymers derived from substituted vinyl (H₂C=CHR) monomers. Their backbone is an extended alkane chain because they exact composition varies significantly depending on whether the final product is intended to be rigid or flexible.

Common Types (note: these are only a selected few of the many types of vinyl polymers)

• polyvinyl chloride (PVC): a white powder created through the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer. By itself, PVC resin is brittle and thermally unstable, making it almost unusable. Thus, it is most often combined with additives selected to produce desired properties, such as softness, rigidity, toughness, or resistance to specific environmental factors. PVC is used in foam boards such as Forex, KomaCel, Sintra.
• polyvinyl acetate (PVAc): a water-dispersed resin that dries to a clear, hard solid with water evaporation. It is used as a coating, paint and adhesive. Examples include Vinylite, Elmer's Glue-All, Mowilith.
• polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH): a colorless, water-soluble resin that dries to a flexible film. It is used as an adhesive, , paint, paper coating and printing ink. See Elvanol, Gelvatol, and Mowiol.
• polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC): A commonly used film for barrier sealing and packaging because of its impermeability. Examples include Saran, Bubble wrap, cling wrap.

Common Characteristics

• Many can be made with different sets of characteristics by controlling the polymerization process to either link the monomers: 1: head-to-tail (isotactic); or 2: head=to-head/tail-to-tail alternating (syndiotactic); or 3: random linkages (atactic).
• There are numerous types because they can be polymerized with a single monomer as well as using a two or more of monomers such as the ethylene-vinyl acetate.
• They have excellent barrier properties, especially water resistance and have been used extensively for corrosion protection.

Common Problems

• All halogenated vinyl compounds are on the ILFI Red list of building materials
• Combustible/High heat: All degrade with high heat and/or moisture, and halogenated vinyl may release chlorinated and fluorinated compounds.
• Poor outdoor durability: UV rays from the sun break down the molecular bonds within vinyl.
• Contain additives: Additives, such as plasticizers, can evaporate or exude with time causing fading, brittleness, warping, cracking and other types of degradation
• Aqueous solutions are susceptible to organic degradation and often contain biocides.

Common Additives

• Plasticizers: These organic liquids are added to make vinyl soft and flexible. Phthalates, such as DEHP, are common but have been phased out in some products due to health concerns, replaced by newer, safer alternatives.
• Heat Stabilizers: As PVC degrades when heated, these stabilizers prevent the material from breaking down and discoloring during manufacturing. Common stabilizers include organic compounds or metal compounds (such as calcium-zinc or tin), which have largely replaced older lead-based versions.
• UV Stabilizers: For products used outdoors, UV inhibitors prevent sunlight from degrading and discoloring the material over time. examples are marine vinyl and greenhouse vinyl.
• Fillers: Materials like calcium carbonate, kaolin, and talc are added to reduce cost, increase stiffness, and improve dimensional stability.
• Impact Modifiers: To produce durable, rigid vinyl products like piping and window frames, impact modifiers are added to increase their strength.
• Lubricants: Added to prevent the polymer from sticking to the processing equipment during manufacturing.
• Pigments: Provide color to the finished product.
• Protective Coatings: A top wear layer or protective coating, like those on vinyl siding and flooring, can offer a degree of UV resistance.

Collection Risks

Links to Oddy Test results posted on AIC Wiki Materials Database Pages for individual materials below

° 3M New Zealand Avery Dennison vinyl laminate tested in 2017
° JAC vinyl sheet tested in 2014
° Macal glass decor vinyl tested in 2014
° Metamark sign vinyl tested in 2014
° Ritrama vinyl sheet tested in 2014
° Forbo Westbond Carpet with vinyl backing tested in 2013
° Five colors of Vinyl-Macal sheeting tested in 2010
° Leach Graphics/ Avery Dennison adhesive film on vinyl tested in 2009

References and Citations

• Wikipedia: Vinyl Polymers Contains an expansive list of vinyl polymers.