In situ chlorination of poly(vinyl chloride) in aqueous hydrochloric acid

Based on environmental, safety, corrosion and technological considerations a new method has been developed for chlorination of PVC in aqueous hydrochl oric acid solvent by controlled electrolytic in situ generation of chlorine using graphite and chlorine-selective Ti-RuO2 electrodes. The byproduct, H Cl gas, is dissolved at the moment of its formation and acts as starting ma terial of further chlorination. This way, the application of corrosive chlo rine gas is avoided. The chlorination conditions have been optimized. The highest chlorine conte nt was found at 5.5 h reaction time using a graphite electrode. The obtaine d chlorinated PVC did not contain any CCl2 units.