Bio-Based Polyvinylchloride (PVC)-Related Blends

Despite the fact that PVC is one of the most useful materials available to the plastic market, with properties as strong, durable, versatile and lightweight, low cost and chemical resistance, its inadequate disposal has contributed to strong noneconomic issues based on the negative effects of chlorine. The use of biodegradable polymers and their mixtures is an important solution for decreasing the environmental pollution caused by disposal of PVC non-degradable waste. Since sustainable chemistry and engineering require the production of materials and technologies based on degradable polymers, this chapter presents some possibilities of blending PVC with biodegradable additives and/or of natural origin, as well as their production techniques, enhancing the changes in the resulting properties. Blends of PVC with nanofillers, degradable polyesters (polyhydroxyalkanoates and poly(e-caprolactone)), polysaccharides (cellulose, starch, chitin, chitosan), natural fibers (derived from plants or wood), protein (collagen) and poly(vinyl alcohol) are some examples of PVC bio-related blends discussed in this chapter.