The Problem:
Recycling of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) faces significant hurdles due to the complex composition of post-consumer products and limited collection of PVC. PVC, the third most manufactured plastic in the world, requires recycling methods that rely on energy intensive processes and contaminate recycling streams. A lack of widespread markets for recycled PVC materials further hinders its sustainability as plastic material. Resins for 3D printing require safety precautions, and additional processing and costs are associated with cleaning and curing resin prints. PVC has many desirable qualities that would make it a beneficial material for 3D printing, but such a product does not currently exist in the market.
The Solution:
Researchers at the University of Alabama have developed “plug and play” PVC-containing resins suitable for use on virtually all photocuring (SLA) 3D printers. The technology uses green, non-toxic solvents to formulate and customize 3D printing resins to achieve new combinations of desirable properties. This technology provides a low-cost, safe, and environmentally-friendly approach to recycling PVC materials and expands the utility of SLA resins.
Benefits: