Exploring the synergistic effect of inorganic and organic particulates in polyvinyl chloride composites through comparative analysis and accelerated weathering

Poly(vinyl chloride) based composite materials with two distinct reinforcements, namely calcium carbonate (CC) and marble waste (MW), along with bamboo sawdust (BSD), were made through melt processing. The experimental findings revealed that the MW filled composite exhibited higher tensile strength than conventionally used CC filled composites. Composites with CC and MW have almost similar densities and MW filled composite absorbed only 0.46% more water than unfilled PVC, and CC filled composite absorbed 0.26% less water. Accelerated weathering altered composite surface, confirmed by optical microscopy and FT-IR analysis of weathered samples revealed UV-induced breakdown products. Composites with MW and CC fillers along with BSD in it showed less reduction in strength (5.2 and 5.8 MPa respectively) after going through accelerated weathering as compared to those with only MW (7.2 MPa) and CC (6.3 MPa) fillers. This study stablishes MW's usability as a sustainable filler in PVC composites, with comparable performance to CC, even along with cellulosic fibers.

Highlights

• Marble waste filled composite has higher tensile strength than calcium carbonate.
• Both composites had similar densities and MW absorbed only ~1% more water than CC.
• Composite with bamboo sawdust performed slightly better after accelerated weathering.
• MW can be used as a sustainable filler in PVC, with comparable performance to CC.