Virginia Tech researchers develop PVC recycling method for engine oil

Researchers at Virginia Tech, led by Guoliang Liu, have developed a method to recycle polyvinyl chloride (PVC) into high-quality base oil for engines, machines, and turbines. While PVC is widely used in construction, medical devices, and consumer goods due to its durability, its production and disposal pose significant environmental and health risks, including the release of carcinogenic vinyl chloride.

The new chemical process involves removing chlorine from the PVC and breaking down the long plastic chains into shorter molecules. This results in polyalphaolefins, which are essential components in high-performance lubricants. Testing indicates that the resulting substance is competitive with oils currently used in industrial applications, offering a potentially profitable solution to the difficult problem of PVC waste.