What Is Recycled Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Testing?
Recycled Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Testing comprises a series of specialised analytical procedures to thoroughly assess the quality, composition, physical characteristics, and conformity of PVC materials recovered from various waste streams.
Why Is Recycled Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Testing Important?
This essential testing ensures that recycled PVC (rPVC) meets specific industry requirements and standards, such as those outlined in UNE-EN 15346, making it suitable for a wide range of secondary applications including pipes, window profiles, flooring, cables, and various construction products.
Applus+ Laboratories holds ENAC accreditation (LE 1680) for polymer testing, highlighting our commitment to delivering high-quality and precise materials characterisation. We also hold COFRAC and NADCAP for density and thermal stability and cofrac for tensile tests.
What Compulsory Recycled Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Testing Do We Perform?
Applus+ Laboratories provides a comprehensive suite of testing services for Recycled Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), meticulously designed to ensure your materials meet stringent quality, performance, and regulatory demands.
Our expert services assess the critical physical, mechanical, thermal, and compositional properties that dictate the successful application and processing of recycled PVC. While our core focus is on characterisation, we support the evaluation process from raw material reception through to detailed material analysis. (Note: Applus+ Laboratories characterises rPVC; processing of PVC itself is not performed in our facilities).
Our Recycled PVC testing capabilities are aligned with the characterisation requirements detailed in UNE-EN 15346 and other relevant international standards.
Mandatory Recycled PVC Characterisation (According to UNE-EN 15346)
These tests focus on fundamental properties essential for baseline quality assessment and ensuring the consistency of recycled PVC materials.
Physical and Compositional Properties:
- Visual Inspection (Colour and Shape): Assessment of the material's general appearance, including colour consistency and the physical form of the recyclate (e.g., granules, powder).
- Ash Content: Determined according to EN ISO 3451-5 (Method A). This test measures the amount of inorganic residue (fillers, contaminants) after controlled incineration.
- Hardness: Measured using Shore durometers according to ISO 868. This test is COFRAC and ENAC accredited.
- Size Distribution: Analysed as per UNE-EN 15346 Annex D (for micronised particles) or Annex E (for other recycled forms) to determine particle size range and distribution, which affects processing and homogeneity.
- Apparent Density: Determined according to UNE-EN 15346 Annex B.
- Impurity Content: Assessed based on UNE-EN 15346 Annex C to identify and quantify the level of undesirable foreign materials.
Optional and Further Recommended Testing for Comprehensive PVC Evaluation
This extended suite of tests provides a more in-depth understanding of the recycled PVC's properties, crucial for specific applications, enhanced quality control, or meeting particular regulatory/performance criteria.
Advanced Physical and Mechanical Properties:
- Density: Measured according to EN ISO 1183-1 (Method A) using techniques like the pycnometer method. This test is COFRAC/NADCAP accredited.
- Tensile Properties (Strength and Elongation): Determined as per EN ISO 527-1 and EN ISO 527-2. These tests measure the material's resistance to pulling forces and its ability to stretch. This test is COFRAC accredited.
- Flexural and Compression Properties: Further mechanical tests to understand behaviour under bending and compressive loads.
Thermal and Processability Characteristics:
- Thermal Stability (DSC Analysis): Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to determine transition temperatures (e.g., glass transition, melting if applicable to specific PVC formulations) and assess overall thermal stability. This test is COFRAC/NADCAP accredited.
- VICAT Softening Temperature: Measured according to EN ISO 306 (Method A) to determine the temperature at which the PVC softens under a standard load.
Composition and Purity:
- Residual Humidity (Moisture Content): Determined using methods like EN 12099 (e.g., Karl Fisher).
- Volatile Content: Analysis to determine the amount of volatile substances present.
- Contamination Analysis (Broader Scope): More detailed investigation into specific contaminants beyond the basic impurity check.
Durability and Suitability:
- Artificial Ageing: To simulate long-term performance and resistance to environmental factors.
- Suitability of PVC for Recycling: Assessed according to UNE-EN 15346 Annex F or Annex G.
What Are the Benefits of Recycled Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Testing?
Engaging in Recycled Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Testing with Applus+ Laboratories offers substantial advantages for your organisation and products:
- Ensure Product Quality and Regulatory Adherence: Verifying rPVC properties against standards like UNE-EN 15346 upholds high material and product quality, ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction, and facilitating compliance with construction and industry regulations.
- Boost Market Confidence and Material Credibility: Providing certified test reports for your recycled PVC significantly enhances its trustworthiness, making it a more dependable option for manufacturers and end-users.
- Support Circular Economy and Sustainability Objectives: By rigorously testing and validating the quality of recycled PVC, your organisation actively contributes to the circular economy, reducing plastic waste, conserving virgin resources, and promoting the use of sustainable building materials.
- Optimise Processing and Product Performance: Detailed characterisation of your rPVC allows for better control over manufacturing processes and helps ensure the final products meet desired performance specifications.
- Facilitate a Streamlined Certification Pathway: A key advantage is having both recycled PVC testing and relevant product certification services expertly managed by the Applus+ team, simplifying processes and accelerating market access.
Why Choose Applus+ Laboratories for Recycled Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Testing?
Selecting Applus+ Laboratories for your Recycled Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) testing signifies a partnership with a globally recognised leader in materials testing, inspection, and certification. We offer distinct advantages:
- Recognised Expertise in Polymers: Advanced analytical capabilities and deep knowledge of polymer science to address the unique challenges of recycled PVC characterisation.
- Integrated Testing & Certification: Coordinated rPVC testing and certification services from a single, expert source, simplifying compliance and market entry.
- Accurate & Reliable Results: Meticulous PVC testing with robust quality control, ENAC accreditation (LE 1680), and specific method accreditations (ISO 868, EN ISO 1183-1, EN ISO 527, DSC), ensuring dependable data for confident decision-making.
- Client-Focused Approach: Tailored testing plans designed to meet your specific recycled PVC material requirements, application needs, and regulatory challenges.
- Global Recognition & Market Support: Internationally respected reports and certifications that enhance the market standing of your recycled PVC products and support global trade.
By partnering with Applus+ Laboratories, you gain access to world-class testing facilities, unparalleled expert insights, and a steadfast commitment to helping you achieve your quality, compliance, and sustainability objectives for recycled Polyvinyl Chloride.