Extraction and Fractionation of PVC for Recycling and Upcycling

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used polymer found in numerous products globally. Its versatility and chemical resistance make PVC essential in applications ranging from medical devices to plumbing and construction materials. However, the chemical structure of PVC which imparts these properties also creates significant challenges for end-of-life PVC. Due to its widespread use, PVC accumulates in oceans and landfills, leaching toxic additives and plasticizers into the environment. Recent research into PVC is developing methods to repurpose it, effectively diverting it from landfills and potentially reducing the need for additional PVC production.

Our research focuses on extracting relatively low MW PVC from bulk waste. By fractionating PVC, we can obtain a distribution of shorter chains that is more soluble in “green” solvents and easier to process. We have been able to obtain high yields of near-virgin quality PVC from both pristine and post-consumer sources. Additionally, the fractionated product is ideal for facilitating chemistry for modification and/or depolymerization, making it a valuable resource for new PVC applications. Ultimately, these advances could transform the perception of waste PVC from a negative-value material to a positive-value resource with significant recycling potential.

This presentation will discuss our methods and results in extraction and fractionation processes of PVC, as well as the effects of source material and solvent type on molecular weight distribution associated with each fraction.