Recycling of polyvinyl chloride (PVC): production and characterization of PVC foams

Plastics have been used in many areas of our daily lives for years generating large amount of post-consumption wastes. It is important to recycle and reuse of these materials since they remain without degrading for many years causing harm to the environment. Thermoplastic foams are widely used as thermal insulation, automotive seating, packaging, furniture and energy absorbing materials due to their low density, high strength/weight ratio, high energy absorption performance and superior insulation properties. In this study, potential usage of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most used plastics, in the manufacture of PVC foams were aimed. For this purpose, the effect of chemical foaming agent amount on the some physical, mechanical and morphology properties of PVC foams were investigated. According to the obtained results, the use of foaming agent provided up to 40% reduction in the density of PVC foams. With chemical foaming agent amount were increased specific impact strength values of PVC foams. Cell structure of foams was also investigated and an increase in cell coalescence with the increase of chemical foaming agents was observed.