Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is manufactured by which standard polymerisation route, and which processing claim among the following is correct?

Introduction / Context:PVC is a major commodity polymer produced from vinyl chloride monomer. Its industrial manufacture and processing routes are standardised and appear frequently in exam questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• PVC is a vinyl polymer made via chain-growth mechanisms.
• Commercial routes include suspension and emulsion polymerisation (also microsuspension/bulk in some cases).
• Plasticisers increase flexibility; they do not convert PVC into a thermoset.

Concept / Approach:Match PVC to typical industrial processes. Reject claims that imply condensation chemistry, thermosetting by plasticiser, or single exact softening temperature (PVC’s softening depends on formulation). Emulsion and suspension routes are widely used to tailor particle size and processing behaviour.

Step-by-Step Solution:Recall that PVC is a chain-growth polymer from vinyl chloride.Identify emulsion/suspension as standard industrial methods.Eliminate incorrect statements about condensation, thermosetting by plasticiser, and fixed softening point.

Verification / Alternative check:Process flow diagrams and product grades (E-PVC, S-PVC) confirm emulsion and suspension routes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:Polycondensation: not applicable to PVC.Plasticiser → thermoset: false; plasticisers reduce Tg/increase flexibility.Fixed 200 °C softening: depends on formulation; many grades soften well below this.Exclusive bulk anionic: not the standard industrial path.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing thermoplasticisation and plasticisation; plasticiser softens, does not crosslink.

Final Answer:Uses either emulsion or suspension polymerisation methods