Transformation of PVC into thermoplastic elastomers | Poster Board #3765

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is among the most widely produced thermoplastics and is used in a wide range of applications. However, despite its widespread use, the post-consumer reuse or recycling of PVC is almost non-existent, and most post-consumer PVC is ultimately landfilled.
The chemical structure of PVC lends itself for easy chemical modification and holds the potential to upcycle PVC into more valuable materials. This presentation will detail our efforts to modify waste PVC into a thermoplastic elastomer. We will also discuss our efforts to combat PVC dehydrochlorination, which is a common side reaction that occurs during chemical manipulations of PVC.