Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM)

Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM)

Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) is the building block of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Since the 1970s, the dominant process to make VCM has been via direct chlorination of ethylene to ethylene dichloride (EDC) followed by thermal cracking to VCM. Because of their abundant coal and lime resources, Chinese producers have developed the “acetylene” route for VCM production. Most PVC homopolymer is used to fabricate extruded or molded articles for the construction industry, including rigid pipe, pipe fittings, vinyl siding, window frames and doorframes, fencing, decking, and vinyl flooring. PVC has also flexible applications in textile coatings, roofing membranes, blood bags, wire and cable, etc.