(366z) Fractionation of PVC Towards Easy and Reproducible Chemical Recycling Methods

Interest in end-of-life plastics research is at an all-time high. The all-encompassing term “Upcycling,” has seen growth in use as of late. Amongst the concepts this term covers are the modification or depolymerization of plastics. Polyvinyl Chloride, specifically, is often forgotten, compared to other commodity plastics, when it comes to upcycling research. This work covers methods for the fractionation, modification and depolymerization of PVC. Vinyl, as the plastic is commonly known as, can be fractionated towards “specialty” grades, that can be used in 3D printing or as chemistry feeds. Amongst the specialty-grade PVC obtained is a product ideal for homogenous chemical modification and depolymerization. Indeed, these fractions provide easy and reproducible chemical processing methods, using a “green” solvent to boot. This work aims at showcasing that the hard-to-upcycle PVC can in fact be turned into attractive upcycling products.

Research Interests

I am a researcher who spent his career studying plastics, and the challenges and opportunities presented by them. This knowledge gave me hope for the plastic industry, as I am a firm believer that the industry, as mature as it is, is still ripe for innovation. I am interested in applying my knowledge and skills towards that goal. My research revolves mainly around polymer chemistry and characterization, or “PVC chemistry” in specific, but I also have a background in synthetic chemistry, 3D printing, and data science.