Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a thermoplastic polymer made from the monomer vinyl chloride. It is a member of the polyolefin family, which also includes polyethylene and polypropylene. PVC is a thermoplastic polymer, which means that it can be melted and reshaped multiple times without losing its properties. The polymer has a high molecular weight, and the polymer chains are held together by strong covalent bonds. This gives PVC its characteristic strength and durability.

PVC can be produced in different forms like rigid or flexible, depending on the amount and type of plasticizer added. The properties of PVC can also be modified by adding other materials to it, such as stabilizers, lubricants, and pigments. PVC is widely used in construction and industrial applications due to its durability, low cost, and ease of installation. However, PVC can release harmful chemicals when burned, so it is not recommended for use in applications where fire safety is a concern.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) was first synthesized by a German chemist named Eugen Baumann in 1872. However, it was not until the early 20th century that scientists began to understand the polymerization process that creates PVC. In the 1920s, the German chemical company IG Farben began to mass-produce PVC, and it quickly became a widely used material for a variety of industrial and consumer applications.

In recent years, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of PVC, as it is not biodegradable and can release harmful chemicals when burned. Today, PVC continues to be widely used due to its unique properties and relatively low cost.