<unk> , (IUPAC Polychloroethene) commonly abbreviated<unk> , is a widely used thermoplastic polymer. In terms of revenue generated, it is one of the most valuable products of the chemical industry. Globally, over 50% of<unk>  manufactured is used in construction. As a building material,<unk>  is cheap and easy to assemble. In recent years,<unk>  has been replacing traditional building materials such as wood, concrete and clay in many areas. Despite claims that<unk>  production negatively affects the natural environment and human health, it is still widely used.
There are many uses for<unk> .  As a hard plastic, it is used as vinyl siding, magnetic stripe cards, window profiles, gramophone records (which is the source of the term vinyl records), pipe, plumbing and conduit fixtures. The material is often used in Plastic Pressure Pipe Systems for pipelines in the water and sewer industries because of its inexpensive nature and flexibility.<unk>  pipe plumbing is typically white, as opposed to ABS, which is commonly available in grey as well as white.
It can be made softer and more flexible by the addition of plasticizers, the most widely used being phthalates.  In this form, it is used in clothing and upholstery, and to make flexible hoses and tubing, flooring, to roofing membranes, and electrical cable insulation.
Polyvinyl chloride
Polyethylene
Polydimethylsiloxane
Methylcellulose
Polyethylene glycol
Poractant Alfa
Polyethylene terephthalate
Hydroxypropyl cellulose