Solvent-Based PVC Recycling for Additive Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recycling of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products is challenging due to the presence of additives and contaminants like phthalates, heavy metals, and fillers, which complicates the production of new PVC products from recycled materials.
Innovation Solution
A solvent-based extraction method is employed to remove unwanted components such as plasticizers, heavy metals, and other additives from PVC products, using solvents like supercritical carbon dioxide and ionic liquids, allowing for the separation of harmful substances and obtaining a clean PVC polymer stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional recycling methods are used for PVC products, then the process is simpler, but the recycled polymer contains additives and contaminants that reduce its quality and usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by dissolving the PVC polymer in a suitable solvent to separate it from additives and contaminants. The soluble PVC polymer is separated from insoluble components such as fillers, dyes, and heavy metals, resulting in a clean polymer stream suitable for producing high-quality new PVC products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the recycling process by using solvent-based extraction instead of traditional mechanical or thermal methods. This parameter change enables selective dissolution of PVC polymer while leaving contaminants intact, thereby improving polymer purity without excessive process complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If PVC products containing phthalate plasticizers are recycled, then the volume of recyclable material increases, but health and environmental concerns arise from VOC emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of phthalate plasticizers by using solvent extraction to remove them from the recycled PVC polymer. The plasticizers are separated during the dissolution and filtration process, eliminating VOC emission risks while allowing the PVC polymer to be recycled into safe, high-quality products.
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive cleaning and separation processes are applied to remove all additives, then the purity of recycled polymer improves, but the processing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical separation systems with a chemical solution-based extraction process. The solvent-based method achieves thorough purification in a single integrated step, avoiding multiple sequential cleaning operations and reducing overall processing time while maintaining high polymer purity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method efficiently recycles PVC products by removing hazardous substances, enabling the production of new PVC products with controlled plasticizer content and improved safety, thereby addressing the complexities of PVC recycling.
Implementation Method 1
a first aspect of the present invention is a method for recycling polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, preferably polyvinyl chloride (PVC) floor or wall coverings, wherein said method comprises the step of subjecting said polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products to a solvent-based extraction
Implementation Method 2
said solvent-based extraction comprises extracting at least one component from the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, said component is chosen from the group of plasticizers, heavy metals, polar components, acrylic resins, organic components, pigments, additives, or combinations thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for recycling polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, preferably polyvinyl chloride (PVC) floor or wall coverings, wherein said method comprises the step of subjecting said polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products to a solvent-based extraction.