Synthesis of Carbon Materials via Mechanically Activated Dehydrochlorination of Polyvinyl Chloride

Abstract

Mechanically activated dehydrochlorination of polyvinyl chloride in the presence of lithium, potassium, and calcium hydroxides was studied. Short joint mechanical treatment of polyvinyl chloride with the above bases in a high-energy centrifugal planetary mill for 5–10 min ensures the formation of polymers with a conjugated double bond system (polyvinylenes). Their subsequent heat treatment at temperatures of up to 400°С yields amorphous carbon structures. Activation of the resulting material in a CO₂ medium at 850°С results in the formation of a micro-, mesoporous carbon material with the prevalent mesopore volume. The results obtained can serve as a basis for the development of technologically acceptable procedures for polyvinyl chloride waste processing to obtain demanded carbon materials without dioxin formation.