How is PVC Pipe Made?
Chemical Reaction PVC has its origins in the chemical gas referred to as vinyl chloride. When vinyl chloride is exposed to sunlight a chemical reaction occurs. The reaction is known as polymerization, which transmutes into a whitish solid material. To achieve the shape and solidity of a PVC pipe, a series of chemicals are introduced to one another. Natural gas is heated to create ethylene. The process is referred to as cracking. Later, sodium chloride (found in the form of rock salt) is spliced using electrolysis. As a result chlorine and lye (sodium hydroxide) is produced. Molecular bonding Chlorine and ethylene (natural gas heated under pressure) are introduced to make vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). The molecules are bonded from each molecule’s end. The result is a long chain of polyvinyl chloride polymer. In essence, plastic is created. The polymerized plastic, called thermoplastic PVC powder (which is compounded), melted and molded into piping. The result is a tube of PVC plastic. A
