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Selection of Conditions in PVB Polymer Dissolution Process for Laminated Glass Recycling Applications
Marek Królikowski1, Piotr Żach2, Maciej Kalestyński3
1Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland.
Polymers
|December 11, 2022
Summary
Recycling polyvinyl(butyral) (PVB) waste from glass is possible through dissolution and filtration. A binary solvent speeds up PVB dissolution, enabling its reuse in various applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Waste Management
Background:
- Polyvinyl(butyral) (PVB) waste from end-of-life vehicles and buildings is currently landfilled due to limited recycling options.
- Effective purification methods are needed to remove contaminants like glass dust and metals before PVB can be reused.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize a method for purifying post-consumer Polyvinyl(butyral) (PVB) waste.
- To investigate the dissolution kinetics and properties of PVB solutions for practical applications.
Main Methods:
- Purification of PVB by dissolving waste materials in single and binary organic solvents.
- Measurement and optimization of PVB dissolution time.
- Characterization of PVB solutions, including density and dynamic viscosity as a function of concentration and temperature.
Main Results:
- Polyvinyl(butyral) (PVB) demonstrated faster dissolution in a binary solvent (2-propanol + ethyl acetate) compared to pure 2-propanol.
- Density and dynamic viscosity of PVB solutions were measured, providing data for practical applications.
- The purified PVB solutions are transparent to visible light and block UV rays.
Conclusions:
- The proposed dissolution and filtration method effectively purifies Polyvinyl(butyral) (PVB) waste.
- PVB solutions exhibit properties suitable for use as adhesives, impregnating agents, insulating materials, and transparent, UV-blocking paint additives.

