PVC is one of the main commodity polymers used today. Its own properties, and particularly its low thermal stability, are not particularly valuable, but its versatility and the wide range of properties that can be imparted by the incorporation of additives are unmatched by any other commodity thermoplastic.

This report reviews the composition and synthesis of PVC, composition and formulation technology, compounding and manufacturing technology, and the additional range of materials made possible by blending with other polymers. It is completed by around 500 abstracts selected from the Polymer Library.