Question about PVC/Polyethylene (1 Viewer)

[Casmira]

I was curious, what advantage does PVC hold over polyethylene? i mean pure PVC is hard and brittle, and only with additives does it loose its brittle attribute, its basically identical to PE

any real differences that additives dont bridge the gap of?

 

[tennille]

PVC isn't weather-resistant, so it is used in underground pipes, whereas HDPE is resistant to chemicals and corrosion. I can't really find any info on it. I have a feeling that other differences will relate to the bonding. From what I remember, it has something to do with the Cl which has a higher molecular weight. If you have the conquering chemistry textbook, it's all in there. If not, borrow it from a library.

 

[Casmira]

I got a conquering chemistry yeh, im assuming this higher molecular weight can proove useful!?

ill go look it up again i guess, i found that book really advances, plus the one i have is 2001 edition (not revised nov. 2003 syllabus)

 

[xiao1985]

PVC should generally be stronger than PE even HDPE, as it has Cl as a side group rather than H... this gives it greater polarisability, hence stronger intermolecular dispersion forces, hence stronger than HDPE...

however, C-Cl bond is susceptible to uv radiation, hence will deteriorate in sun light without addictive...

that being said, it really depend on context where u want to use plastic... say u don't want to use PE to manufacturing ur plastic ruler say for eg, as it would be quite soft and un-usable...

similar reason u won't use PVC to make plastic carrying bag or glad wrap...

 

[Casmira]

hmmm so i can only really rule out greater hardness due to increased intermolecular forces

well thanks ill probably go researchit a little bit further, i rpobably wont be asked but at least i get an understanding, i find its much easier to remember a topic if you know excess about it, because it then connects together perfectly

 

[currysauce]

remember that chlorine is very electronegative (electronegativity from year 11) = hence it attracts electrons more than most other atoms, stronger bonds... maybe that helps?

 

[Casmira]

i was thinking about that but hydrogen bonds came across my mind and since the Cl is attached to carbon attom i dismissed it, maybe it still creates stronger intermolecular bonds with carbon, no idea what

 

[currysauce]

Hey i was checking through my notes when studying this morning -

My notes say that PVC is stiff due to the LARGE Cl groups, so there... more info!

 

[Dreamerish*~]

Wow, right after reading this thread, I open the written section of the 2002 Catholic Trials paper, and the first question is on PVC.

 

[adamsaclown]

err I know this is kind of an old thread, but PVC is also more flame-resistant (harder to ignite and won't continue to burn as easily) due to the Chlorine.

 

[ewesijok]

Yes Adam, You are completely correct.
It's a shame you are a complete FUCKWIT!

 

[Dreamerish*~]

Yes Adam, You are completely correct.
It's a shame you are a complete FUCKWIT!

What the fuck?

You rude, intolerable git.

 

[mitochondria]

What the fuck?

You rude, intolerable git.

Look on the bright side dreamy, you just found one fiesty chick for your lonely friend

Kids these days '-__-

Anyway, contrary to Casmira's original question, I thought PVC's pretty bad So why look for the advantage of PE over PVC? *even more confused*

You HSCers might want to check this out:

http://www.besafenet.com/PVCDisposalReport_2-Column_R6.pdf

I found that amusing somehow ^^

Omg.. This thread is ancient.. Some people do have the tendency to look for fights...

 

[Casmira]

well i mean why would you bother performing an chlorination reaction of ethylene to form chloroethane, then addition polymerisation polyvinyl chloride if it has the same "properties" of PE, if you can make PE alot easier (just chain up polyethylene)

as far as i know HDPE and PVC have same heating properties, hell PVC is worse because it release hydrochloride gas when you burn it (in pure form at least)

 

[standup]

PVC is a very rigid polymer as large chlorine side groups restrict its flexibility???

 

[Dreamerish*~]

PVC is a very rigid polymer as large chlorine side groups restrict its flexibility???

Technically, chain-stiffening.