Preparation of marked poly(vinyl chloride) by reactive processing for identification by UV devices (recycling)

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Abstract
The grafting of sodium 2‐thionaphtholate (NaTN) and sodium p‐thiocresolate (NaTC) in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) has been studied in the melt with the aim of obtaining a marked polymer for easy recognition and separation by UV devices. The influence of reactant concentration. DOP concentration, and temperature was investigated to determine the best conditions to obtain a controlled modification in the polymer. High degrees of grafting, efficiencies > 80%, and no side reactions, such as degradation or crosslinking, have been obtained under polymer processing conditions. The reaction of PVC with both reactants is also stereospecific. The ultraviolet spectrum of p‐thiocresolate grafted PVC shows a maximum absorption in the region < 300 nm, and that of a 2% thionaphtholate grafted PVC in the region of 360 nm, which is far from the UV absorption of a plasticized PVC. While the polymer marked with the first reagent can be used without plasticized polymers, the second can also be used with plasticized PVC, and therefore distinguished from polyolefins. The results reported herein may be useful in the development of polymer recycling, although barriers and interferences can exist.