Researchers at Ohio State University have made a major breakthrough in polymer science by developing an innovative method that improves the durability of PVC products , one of the most widely used plastics in the world. The team, led by chemistry and biochemistry professor Christo Sevov, has found a way to chemically attach additives to PVC using electricity, making the material stronger and less likely to degrade into microplastics .
How to reinforce PVC products and reduce microplastics?
PVC, used in a wide variety of products from toys to building materials, is known for its brittleness and sensitivity to heat when left unstabilized. Until now, manufacturers have used plasticizers to improve PVC’s properties . However, these chemicals leach out over time, causing the material to wear down and releasing potentially hazardous compounds into the environment.
The new approach, detailed in a study published in the journal Chem , allows additives to be permanently attached to PVC, increasing its longevity and reducing the release of microplastics into the environment.
Instead of simply mixing chemicals, we are grafting the plasticizers directly into the polymer structure, which improves both its strength and durability.
Sevov explained.
This breakthrough helps curb microplastic pollution!
The impact of this discovery is not limited to just improving the lifespan of PVC, but also has important environmental implications. By slowing down the rate of PVC degradation, the amount of microplastics contaminating the air, water and food is reduced. According to recent studies, a person can ingest between 78,000 and 211,000 microplastic particles per year , a situation that this new method could help mitigate.
Despite some initial challenges in optimising the catalyst to achieve these modifications, the scientists managed to overcome the hurdles and demonstrated that this approach can extend the life of PVC and improve its recyclability. Sevov added that this technique has the potential to make PVC reusable many more times before it starts to deteriorate, significantly increasing its sustainability.
The Ohio State University team, which also includes Jordan Zackasee, Valmuri Srivardhan, Blaise Truesdell and Elizabeth Vrana, received funding support from the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct this research. In the future, they hope to scale up this technology for commercial applications that could revolutionize the way PVC products are manufactured and reused.
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Source: Ohio University
Photo: Shutterstock
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