Composites from Newsprint Fiber and Polystyrene

Abstract

This paper deals with the effect of processing conditions on the mechanical properties of composite material made from newsprint and polystyrene. A masterbatch compound with weight ratio of 50:50 (polystyrene/fiber) was prepared using a Brabender intensive type mixer. Composites with various percentage of fiber, e.g., 40, 30, 20, and 10% of fiber were obtained by adding the measured amount of polymer to the masterbatch followed by another mixing period of time. Test samples were compression molded into shoulder-shaped test specimens, using a steam-heated press, and, kept in room conditioning at 23°C and 50% of relative humidity for a week 48 h prior to testing. The Young's modulus and the strength at break were evaluated, and the averages of six measurements were reported. Test results showed that newsprint loading level has a significant impact on mechanical performance of the resulting composites. Tensile strength increased at first linearly with newsprint content, then reached asymptote at higher level of newsprint content 40% or more. As the Young's modulus is concerned, there is a linear relationship between tensile Young's modulus and fiber concentration as proposed by the various models in the literature.