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What Is Vinyl Fabric?

Vinyl is a fabric-like material that is a plastic. It is one of the most useful plastics that has ever been developed. Vinyl is a durable material. It is inexpensive to manufacture. It is used in a variety of products, including upholstery.

History
- In 1927, the first vinyl plastic to be commercially manufactured was PVC.
Features
- Vinyl can be as flexible as cloth or as rigid and stiff as wood. It can be made in any color, and it can even be transparent.
Function
- Vinyl is used to make vinyl phonographic records, leather-like upholstery, toys, furniture, flooring, luggage, raincoats, milk cartons, and many other products.
Significance
- Vinyl is rugged and it does not easily tear or break. It can withstand exposure to some acids, oils, alcohol, and water.
Ingredients
- Vinyl is made from petroleum, natural gas and salt. Vinyl burns slowly, and it will begin to loose its shape when it reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Types
- There are different types of vinyl. All vinyl contains a chemical called vinyl, with the formual: CH2 CH.
Warning
- In the 1970's, research indicated that breathing vinyl chloride--used in making PVC pipe--caused serious health hazards. Changes were made to improve the air quality of manufacturers making the plastics.

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