Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Commonly produced via emulsion (and suspension) polymerisation.
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used commodity plastic for pipes, cables, and profiles. Understanding how PVC is made and classified (thermoplastic vs thermoset; addition vs condensation) is a core materials question in polymers and chemical engineering.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
PVC is an addition polymer (chain-growth of vinyl chloride) and is a thermoplastic (it softens on heating and can be remelted). Industrial PVC resin is typically produced by suspension or emulsion polymerisation (and sometimes bulk), yielding grains/particles later compounded with stabilisers, plasticisers, lubricants, and fillers. It is not a thermoset, and it is not a condensation polymer.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify class: PVC = thermoplastic, addition polymer.Recall processes: suspension and emulsion are the common routes.Evaluate options: (c) matches industrial practice; (a) and (b) are incorrect; hence choose (c).
Verification / Alternative check:
Process descriptions for PVC list suspension PVC (S-PVC) and emulsion PVC (E-PVC) as the main commercial resins, confirming option (c).
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Thermosetting: PVC does not irreversibly crosslink in normal processing.Condensation polymer: PVC arises by addition; no small-molecule byproduct is formed.None of these: invalid because (c) is correct.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing processing additives (stabilisers, plasticisers) with the polymerisation mechanism; assuming “thermoset” because some PVC articles are rigid.
Final Answer:
Commonly produced via emulsion (and suspension) polymerisation.
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