(533f) Green Synthesis of Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) Using Microreactor System and Recycling Technology

We propose a highly efficient method for the synthesis of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) using microreactor system. The condensation reaction between polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and n-butanal was successfully implemented, allowing the energy costs associated with cooling and mixing of the reactant solutions to be reduced. The microreactor system allowed the development of a recycling technology for the reuse of HCl, water, and excess n-butanal present in the product solution. In addition, with the aid of a two-step n-butanal feeding method, the developed recycling technology resulted in a 98.7% n-butanal utilization ratio, while the consumption of HCl and water during the reaction process was reduced by 85.6%. These results indicate that our novel process represents a more environmentally friendly approach to the PVB synthesis.

Funding support from National Key R&D Program of China (2017YFB0307102) and Tsinghua University Initiative Scientific Research Programs (20131089196, and 20151080361).