Russian scientists have developed an eco-friendly additive for PVC recycling

Domestic additive is half the price of its imported counterpart

Scientists from Volgograd State Technical University have developed an eco-friendly additive that is needed for processing thermoplastic PVC polymers into various plastic products. Its cost is half that of its imported counterpart.

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The production of polymeric materials is actively developing in Russia, according to researchers from Volgograd State Technical University. In 2023, specialists produced about 10.8 million tons of polymers, of which more than a million tons are polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

To obtain a finished product from PVC, it needs to be processed: melted, shaped, and special substances added to improve its properties. The composition of these additives depends on what the finished product will be used for. For example, the production of medical devices, food packaging, or children's toys requires components that do not contain toxic substances.

Scientists at Volgograd State Technical University believe that the use of plant components could be one approach to creating safe additives. In the course of the study, specialists used glycerin and oleic acid to develop a new technology for the production of additives intended for the processing of polyvinyl chloride.

The test results showed that our additive is not inferior to the imported one in terms of physical and mechanical properties, while improving technological parameters. It reduces internal friction, prevents adhesion to equipment, and increases melt flow.

Daria Zapravdina, Head of the Department for Coordination of Scientific Research of Young Scientists, Senior Researcher at the Department of Organic Chemistry, Volgograd State Technical University

In the future, the research staff of Volgograd State Technical University plans to launch pilot production using the created technology and gradually replace the imported component with a domestic analogue.

Earlier, www1.ru reported that the first installation for the rapid production and pressing of gas hydrates was developed and launched in Russia. They are converted into pellets, which are easy to store and transport. Existing analogues from other countries require complex technical equipment.