In this study two polymers used in the manufacture of PVC pipes were characterized, which differed by the use of virgin and recycled polyvinyl chloride resins. The recycled resin derived from grounded residues (sanitary or industrial) was evaluated in order to compare it with products made from virgin resin, which were subjected to testing with X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and measurements of tensile strength and elongation. The results showed statistically significant differences in mechanical properties of the final product, according ANOVA (5%), where pipes made from recycled PVC presented a lower mechanical strength than those made with virgin resin, in addition to containing heavy metals such as Pb (lead) and Cd (cadmium).
Recycled PVC; mechanical properties; X-ray diffraction
