Polymer processing methods: which listed polymer is commonly manufactured using all three addition (chain-growth) routes — bulk polymerisation, solution polymerisation, and suspension polymerisation?

Introduction / Context:
This question assesses whether you can match polymers to their feasible industrial addition-polymerisation routes. Many vinyl monomers allow more than one route (bulk, solution, suspension, emulsion). Recognising which polymer is routinely produced via bulk, solution, and suspension helps consolidate process–material knowledge.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on addition (chain-growth) polymerisation techniques.
• We compare PVC, Bakelite, PTFE, and epoxy resins.
• We consider mainstream, documented, scalable routes.

Concept / Approach:
PVC is an addition polymer of vinyl chloride. Industrially, it is dominantly made by suspension and emulsion routes; however, vinyl chloride can also be polymerised by bulk and solution methods (used historically and in specialty grades). Bakelite is a step-growth thermoset (condensation) and does not fit. PTFE is produced by suspension/emulsion of TFE, not bulk or solution in the usual sense due to extreme melt viscosity. Epoxy “resin” systems are prepolymers that subsequently cure; they are not addition homopolymers prepared by these three routes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
List viable routes for each polymer.Identify PVC as compatible with bulk, solution, and suspension in practice.Eliminate the non-addition or route-limited options.

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks describe PVC production mainly by suspension and emulsion, while noting feasibility of bulk and solution processes for certain grades or studies.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Bakelite: condensation thermoset, not applicable.PTFE: suspension/emulsion only; bulk/solution are not practical.Epoxy: thermosetting systems formed by curing, not chain addition of a vinyl monomer.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming “dominant route” equals “only route”; feasibility across multiple methods is the core asked here.

Final Answer:
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)