Polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC, is a vinyl polymer and an amorphous material. In practical applications, PVC is often compounded with plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, and other additives to enhance its properties, forming PVC plastic, which is then processed into various products. It exhibits key characteristics including flame retardancy, high strength, resistance to weather variations, and excellent dimensional stability. PVC demonstrates strong resistance to oxidizers, reducing agents, and strong acids. It is important to note that PVC is not suitable for food packaging.

In its pure form, PVC appears as a slightly yellow, translucent material with a glossy surface and no waxy feel. It often emits a distinctive odor and sinks in water. Its transparency is superior to polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) but inferior to polystyrene (PS). Depending on the additive content, PVC is categorized into flexible and rigid types. Flexible PVC products are soft and tough with a sticky feel, while rigid ones are hard and smooth, producing a dull sound when struck. The hardness of rigid PVC exceeds that of low-density polyethylene but is lower than polypropylene, and it exhibits whitening at flexed areas.

 PVC has poor combustion properties, self-extinguishing upon removal from a flame. The flame appears yellow with a green base, accompanied by white smoke and emission of pungent hydrogen chloride gas. It is classified as a flame-retardant plastic. Softening occurs during combustion.

 PVC is resistant to water, concentrated alkalis, non-oxidizing acids, alkanes, oils, and ozone. However, it is corroded by oxidizing acids like sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and chromic acid.

 PVC possesses poor thermal stability. Pure PVC resin begins decomposing at 140°C, with rapid acceleration at 180°C. Given its melting point around 160°C, processing pure PVC resin via thermoplastic methods is challenging. Even high-purity PVC resin starts releasing hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas when exposed to temperatures above 100°C for extended periods or under ultraviolet radiation.

PVC plastic, available in various forms, can be processed using numerous methods such as compression molding, extrusion, injection molding, and coating. It is widely used to manufacture films, synthetic leather, wire and cable insulation, rigid products, sheets, panels, furniture, and sporting goods.