Mechanical performance of recycled PVC window frames: An experimental and numerical investigation

PVC window frames are commonly used in the construction industry due to their durability, low cost, and ease of maintenance. However, with growing environmental concerns and the shift towards a circular economy, replacing virgin PVC with recycled materials in such applications has become a critical area of research. The recycling process as well as the source of waste, highly impact the quality of the recycled materials which limits its use in high-quality products. This study investigates the mechanical characterization of window profiles made from recycled PVC, focusing on their ability to withstand structural loads. Given that window frames are exposed to wind forces and building loads, ensuring their mechanical resistance is essential. The bending and tensile behavior of recycled PVC specimens were tested experimentally and numerically to assess the structural performance of the material under different loading conditions. A comparison between the results of numerical finite element simulations and those of experiments has been carried out to validate the findings. The results show that recycled PVC offers adequate mechanical and thermal performance for use in the manufacture of window profiles.