American scientists from Ohio State University have developed technology that makes polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products stronger and safer. The study was published in the scientific journal Chem.
PVC plastics are the third most used plastics in the world. They can be found in toys, building materials, medicine packaging and many other goods and products.
Despite its widespread use, pure PVC is brittle and heat sensitive, so it can only be used after stabilization with other chemicals.
However, these additives, or plasticizers, impart the desired properties to PVC only temporarily. They gradually leach out of the material, allowing the plastic to break down into potentially harmful organics and microplastics.
In a new study, the team found that using electricity can lock plasticizers into PVC for a long time, preventing unwanted reactions.
Changing PVC molecules using electric current makes them stronger and more resistant to chemical changes, ultimately resulting in a durable material.
According to the authors of the development, their method also makes PVC more suitable for repeated use as recyclable materials.
