The Effect of Recycled Newspaper Content and Size on the Properties of Polypropylene (PP)/Natural Rubber (NR) Composites

Abstract

The effect of recycled newspaper (RNP) loading and size on the processing behavior, mechanical properties, water absorption and morphology of PP/NR composites were investigated. Three sizes of RNP, i.e. 11, 23 and 53 µm were used in this study. Results show that the increasing content of RNP in composites has increased the stabilization torque, tensile strength and elongation at break (up to 5 wt.% of filler content), Young's modulus and water absorption. PP-NR composites with the smallest particle size of RNP show the highest mechanical properties but the lowest water absorption resistance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of composites indicate that the smallest particle size of RNP shows better filler-matrix interaction than larger particle size of RNP.

Keywords:

• Mechanical properties
• Morphology
• Natural rubber
• Polypropylene
• Recycled newspaper
• Water absorption