What is added to PVC to make it more flexible?

What is added to PVC to make it more flexible?

• A. Plasticisers
• B. Metal fillers
• C. Dye
• D. Stabilizers

Answer: (A)

Plasticisers are added to PVC to make it more flexible. They fit between the long polymer chains of polyvinyl chloride, reducing the strong intermolecular forces that hold the chains tightly together and increasing the space between them. With these molecules wedged in, the chains can slide past one another more easily when the material is bent or stretched. This lowers the glass transition temperature and softens the plastic, giving you a bendable, softer PVC. Dyes just change color, stabilizers mainly improve heat or UV resistance, and metal fillers tend to make the material stiffer and heavier, so they don’t achieve the desired flexibility.

Plasticisers are added to PVC to make it more flexible. They fit between the long polymer chains of polyvinyl chloride, reducing the strong intermolecular forces that hold the chains tightly together and increasing the space between them. With these molecules wedged in, the chains can slide past one another more easily when the material is bent or stretched. This lowers the glass transition temperature and softens the plastic, giving you a bendable, softer PVC. Dyes just change color, stabilizers mainly improve heat or UV resistance, and metal fillers tend to make the material stiffer and heavier, so they don’t achieve the desired flexibility.