Approximately 40 million tons of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are produced annually, making PVC one of the most widely produced synthetic plastic polymers. Waste materials that contain PVC are extremely difficult to recycle mechanically. Thermochemical methods such as pyrolysis are also undesirable because of hydrochloric acid and chlorinated organic byproducts that are produced by thermal decomposition of PVC. This process is a unique chemical method of converting PVC to a chlorine‑free polymer, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), that is recyclable.
Technology Overview
The process involves mixing the PVC in a slurry with an appropriate amount of solvent, base, and catalyst in the presence of a reactive atmosphere. The temperature is elevated but maintained below a pyrolysis temperature for PVC. The process avoids the formation of chlorinated organic compounds and hydrochloric acid by instead producing chloride salts. The end product is a chlorine‑free polymer, such as HDPE in some configurations.
Benefits
This is early-stage technology tested and validated in a laboratory setting. The team is seeking development partners to improve technology readiness level and commercialize.