Oregon researchers working on a process for upcycling waste PVC into adhesive

(JUNE 30, 2023) Scientists at Oregon State University's College of Engineering in Corvallis are working on a special project. They want to find a way to turn a kind of plastic called PVC into a sticky substance like wax. This wax can be used to stick things together, like floors and other products.

PVC is a type of plastic that is used a lot in the construction industry. It is used for making pipes, gutters, floors, and many other things. It is also used in hospitals for things like tubes and masks, as well as other items we use every day. The problem with PVC is that it is not easy to recycle. When we throw it away, it can even release harmful chemicals into the air. The scientists at Oregon State University want to solve this problem by finding a better way to recycle PVC.

They have come up with a special process called hydrothermal treatment and hydrogenation. This process can change the PVC into a wax by removing certain parts from it. The scientists are testing their process and trying to make it even better. They want to make sure they can make a lot of the wax and that it is good quality. They are also talking to companies that use PVC to see if they can get more of it to recycle.

The scientists have received money to do this research. One group called the Vinyl Institute gave them $100,000, and they may get more money in the future. Another group called VentureWell gave them $25,000 to help with their project.

The scientists hope that their work will make it easier and cheaper to recycle PVC. They also want to help make things safer by using a glue that does not have harmful chemicals in it.