Abstract
This research was carried out to produce corn husk fibre reinforced recycled waste paper-based composites using natural rubber as a binder. The paper pulp was obtained by soaking waste paper in water for 24 hours after which it was ground. The paper pulp slurry was sun dried for five days followed by pulverizing and sieving. Corn husk was turned to fibre strands that were cut to 5 mm so as to obtain short fibres. Varying mass of the recycled waste paper and corn husk fibre were blended with constant volume of natural rubber to produce the various samples. The mixtures were thoroughly mixed and poured into the moulds for the development of flexural and wear samples after which they were compacted using the laboratory compacting machine. The compacted composites in their green form were removed and allowed to further cured under sunlight for 10 days before been subjected to flexural, wear and water absorptivity tests. From the results, flexural properties were enhanced between 4–8 wt% corn husk fibre addition while wear and water absorption properties were enhanced at 10 wt% corn husk fibre addition. This composite can be used as partitioning board, ceiling sheets as well as counter-tops applications.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call