Virgin? I've not been listening to too many Madonna CD's, lately.
But, I'd guess that's a fair claim for this tile. Recyclate is typically internal offal or scrap that the manufacturer works back into the process.
Most people who use the word, vinyl refer to a compound or composition, not a polymerr. The absolute minimum of which may include; PVC resin, stabilizer, filler, lubricants, pigments, process aids, etc.
The ASTM designation describes different tiles based on monolithic or decorated/printed compositions. see below;
As to dimensional stabilty, not in this reality. 4 mils is 4/1000 of an inch to us old PVC chemists! That's awefully thin! You must mean 4 millimeters? Regardless, there is probably more filler in the stuff than polymer. That usually will lead to very good dimensional stability. Although, everything expands and contracts w/ heat.
Abstract: ASTM D-1700, Tile
This specification establishes the material and performance characteristics that determine serviceability and recommended applicability of solid vinyl floor tiles intended for use in commercial, light commercial, and residential buildings. Floor tiles shall be classified as Class I for monolithic vinyl tiles, Class II for surface-decorated vinyl tiles, and Class III for printed film vinyl tiles. Furthermore, these classes of tiles shall be subgrouped as Type A for tiles with smooth surfaces, and Type B for those with embossed surfaces. The tiles shall be composed of binder, filler, and pigments compounded with suitable lubricants and processing aids, the composition for all of which shall be dictated by their respective classes. When tested, the tiles shall adhere to the following physical requirements: binder content; dimension including size, thickness, squareness, and dimensional stability; residual indentation; flexibility; resistance to chemicals such as white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, white mineral oil, sodium hydroxide solution, hydrochloric acid solution, sulfuric acid solution, household ammonia solution, household bleach, olive oil, kerozene, unleaded gasoline, and phenol; resistance to heat; and resistance to light.
This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers solid vinyl floor tiles that are monolithic, surface decorated or printed, and that have binder contents referenced in Table 1.
1.2 This type of floor covering is intended for use in commercial, light commercial, and residential buildings. General information and performance characteristics which determine serviceability and recommended use are included in this specification.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
How does the tile stack up to that?
Len
