Newspaper Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composite

Abstract

As an effort to reuse old newspaper, a newspaper fiber-reinforced polypro pylene (NPF/PP) composite was made. The effects of the manufacturing conditions, addi tives, and interfacial modification on the mechanical properties of the composites were in vestigated. A method of applying newspaper sheet directly to polypropylene without any pretreatment was developed. Experimental results revealed the composites made from this method were twice as strong as the polypropylene without newspaper. Other natural fibers, such as recycled corrugated board, chemical wood pulp, thermomechanical pulp, and cotton pulp were also found to have reinforcing properties for polypropylene. Signifi cant improvement in the mechanical properties has been achieved by blending less than 2 % of carbon fiber with the NPF/PP composites.