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Highlights: [•] We recycle old newspaper by obtaining reinforcement fibers. [•] We tested the materials to obtain their Younǵs modulus. [•] Hirsch and Halpin–Tsai models were used to obtain the intrinsic properties. [•] A fiber tensile modulus factor is presented to have in account the fiber contributions to the property. [•] The industry friendliness of the models is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present paper explores the aptness of old newspapers as a source of reinforcing fibers for composite materials. Different percentages of newspaper fibers, obtained by wet (ONPF) and by dry processes (CONPF), were compounded with polypropylene (PP). A coupling agent was added to the compound to improve the interface between matrix and reinforcing fibers. Tensile test were performed to obtain the mechanical properties of the composite materials. Composite materials reinforced with sized glass fiber (GF) were also prepared and tested. The mechanical properties of the materials were compared. A fiber tensile strength factor (FTSF) and a fiber tensile modulus factor (FTMF) were proposed to evaluate the contribution of the reinforcement fibers to the tensile properties of the composite materials. Finally a pump body, made with GF/PP composites was modeled and tested to obtain the nodal stresses and deformations under nominal pressure. A list of ONPF, CONPF reinforced composite materials was proposed to replace the GF/PP. A body pump was mold injected with a CONPF/PP composite, was assembled in a water pump and tested under nominal working conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]