Effect of calcium carbonate precipitate derived from sugar beet industry on the properties of poly (vinyl chloride) compounds

The incorporation of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) waste from the sugar beet industry significantly altered the properties of the PVC matrix. Thermal stability improved markedly, evidenced by a reduction in weight loss (240-360 °C) from 58.88% (neat PVC) to 37% (40 wt% PCC). The flexural strength reached a maximum at 5 wt% PCC, representing a 35% improvement over the unfilled PVC. Conversely, this loading adversely affected elongation at break, tensile strength, and impact strength, reducing them by 71.57%, 10.84%, and 17.11%, respectively. Physical properties, such as specific gravity and water absorption, increased slightly with the PCC content. SEM analysis confirmed excellent PCC dispersion at lower loadings, which transitioned to particle agglomeration and void formation at higher concentrations, explaining the mechanical properties trends.