Converting polymer waste to marketable products is a promising route to incentivize the development of competitive waste upcycling processes. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste streams pose a unique challenge in this regard because of the presence of Cl atoms in the molecule. To address this issue, we developed a hydrothermal process to upcycle PVC plastics and produce polyethylene wax in a mixed amine-water system, using hydrogen and a heterogeneous catalyst. We demonstrated that alkylamines as homogeneous catalysts and as Cl- sequestration media successfully dechlorinate PVC to a polyene, which is hydrogenated over a heterogeneous catalyst. Characterization of the wax product reveals complete dechlorination and hydrogenation, as well as partial C-C bond scission, resulting in a reaction product similar to polyolefin adhesive waxes. Ongoing efforts involve optimizing catalyst recyclability, scale-up reactions, and process design to achieve commercial viability.
I am a 5th year PhD candidate in chemical engineering at OSU doing research in the Goulas lab. My research is focused on catalytic conversion of waste plastics to value added products and recent efforts are focused on PVC recycling processes. Outside of the lab I’ve also participated as team lead in two accelerator programs focused on commercial development of novel technologies. Beyond school I enjoy cross country skiing, hiking, and practicing my Spanish.