Compatibility of recycled PVC/ABS blends.: Effect of previous degradation

The aim of the present study is to analyze the compatibility between recycled poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). With this objective, blends made from recycled PVC obtained from credit cards and both virgin ABS and recycled ABS obtained from the electrical and electronic sector were prepared, and the range of compositions from 0 to 100 wt% were analyzed. The level of degradation existing within the recycled materials was analyzed using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The existence of partial compatibility between the components of the blend was determined using differential scanning calorimetry. The presence of the elastomeric phase in the ABS is a significant factor which needs to be taken into account when studying the phenomena of interfacial adhesion. In addition, dynamic mechanical analysis has been used to analyze the effect of temperature upon stiffness, in the function of the composition of the blend. The tensile strength of the blends has been adjusted according to the equivalent box model, which has allowed the determination of the level of adhesion at the interface of the blend components. Finally, a morphological study of the fracture has been completed using scanning electron microscopy.