Polyvinyl chloride-polyethylene terephthalate separation process and product

摘要

A hydrophobic polyvinyl chloride chip composition is described which has a preferred affinity for air when in water. The chip is supernatant in water after contact with air and has a skin layer containing a surface conditioning agent. A method for separating a PET/PVC chip admixture is also disclosed. The chip admixture is contacted with a surface conditioning agent to produce relatively hydrophobic polyvinyl chloride chips which can be floated in an aerated aqueous medium. The polyethylene terephthalate chips are recovered from the bottom of the aqueous medium. The flotation can be conducted in pure water without frothing or densifying agents.