Q. What solvents can be used to remove PVC from copper and aluminum cables? V.V.
A. There are probably several alternatives that could be used, most being fairly strong solvents. You would have to make sure you 1) provide proper ventilation for the personnel that would be performing this work with the solvents, and 2) check with local authorities regarding proper means of disposal of the waste from this process.
Some commonly available solvents such as acetone, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, toluene and xylene would dissolve PVC over time, although I could not tell you which would be the quickest (likely one of the chlorinated solvents).
I even ran across a reference that indicated mayonnaise would present a problem for PVC, but I cannot say that I have experience with this and chemical compatibility.
Columnist Rodger Talbert explains the difference between a five-stage washer and a three-stage washer, and how one provides better corrosion protection over the other.
