TECHNOLOGY FOR RECYCLING SECONDARY PVC WASTE USING LOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT POLYPROPYLENE AND PRODUCING MODIFIED POLYMER COMPOSITES

Abstract

The increasing accumulation of polymer waste, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poses serious environmental and technological challenges. Effective recycling and modification technologies are therefore essential for improving the utilization of secondary polymer resources. This study focuses on the development of a technology for recycling secondary PVC waste using low-molecular-weight polypropylene (LMWPP) as a modifying component. The research investigates the influence of LMWPP on the technological and mechanical properties of recycled PVC-based polymer composites. In the course of the study, secondary PVC waste was processed and modified with different proportions of low-molecular-weight polypropylene to obtain polymer composite materials. Experimental results demonstrated that the addition of LMWPP significantly improves melt flow behavior, tensile strength, and impact resistance of the resulting composites. The optimal composition providing balanced physical and mechanical properties was determined. The obtained modified polymer composites exhibit improved processability and enhanced operational characteristics, which makes them suitable for application in the production of construction materials, technical components, and household products. The proposed modification approach also contributes to reducing environmental pollution and promotes efficient utilization of polymer waste resources.