Investigation of surface properties of PVC for selective recovery

The selective recovery of PVC as a sink product required an effective plasticizer to enhance its surface properties. In this study, the effects of Triton XL-100N and Gelatine were compared through surface tension, contact angle, and zeta potential measurements, along with microflotation tests using a Hallimond tube. Results showed that Triton XL-100N significantly reduced surface tension and contact angle, increasing PVC hydrophilicity. The isoelectric point shifted to pH 3 with Triton XL-100N and pH 6 with Gelatine. Microflotation tests confirmed that 0.1 M Triton XL-100N optimized PVC depression at pH 4, whereas Gelatine showed limited effectiveness. Therefore, Triton XL-100N was identified as the optimal plasticizer for selective PVC recovery.