(57g) Controlled Depolymerization and Upcycling of PVC
AIChE Annual Meeting
2021
2021 Annual Meeting
Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division
Chemical Recycling of Waste Plastics I
Monday, November 8, 2021 - 9:50am to 10:10am
PVC is the 3rd most produced plastic worldwide. Rigid PVC is the common material of construction for most modern plumbing systems, and other forms of PVC find their way into a wide range of consumer products. The presence of chlorine atoms in PVC presents unique challenges for its disposal as the uncontrolled decomposition of PVC releases HCl and chlorinated organic compounds, presenting waste management and environmental problems. However, the design of chemical reactions and processes which control the decomposition of PVC affords unique opportunities for depolymerization and upcycling. This presentation will detail our efforts to date in the conversion of waste PVC into an array of value-added small molecules and polymer products.