Chlorine in various products

10/2008

Virtually every part of the home benefits from chlorine chemistry.

Chlorine is used in the manufacture of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). With an annual global production of 35 million tonnes (2007), PVC is the second largest tonnage of all thermoplastics after polyethylene.

PVC has been produced on an industrial scale since the 1930s. The presence of chlorine contributes to specific properties:

  • Resistance to fire;
  • Impermeability to gases and resistance to bacteriological contamination;
  • Easy processing with an extensive variety of formulations due to its compatibility with many products, additives and copolymers.

Because it is easy to process, there is a vast range of materials made out of PVC that can be transparent or opaque, flexible or rigid, with a long durability.

PVC applications include furniture, flooring and window frames.

Examples of PVCAll the items listed below have one element in common – chlorine

  • Plumbing pipes;
  • Medicines;
  • Seat belts;
  • Household bleach;
  • Rocket fuel;
  • Blood bags;
  • Computers;
  • Tap water;
  • Bullet-resistant vests.

Thousands of chlorine chemistry applications contribute to making our life safer, better, healthier and more convenient.

Life itself depends on chlorine and its extraordinary ability to react with other elements.

Almost every product made today benefits from chlorine chemistry.