Alternative-Source Cellulose Composite.

Composite from recycled newsprint would result in the effective use of a waste product which is currently burned or land-filled, as well as potential reduction in the cost of manufactured composite. In this work, old newsprint (ONP) together with waste polyurethane foam from packaging were used to produce composite. The physical and mechanical properties, polymer concentration, volume resistivity as well as pressure were studied. The increase of pressure from 25 to 50 KN was found to improve the mechanical properties more than twice the polymer concentration. This may be attributed to the higher ability of polyurethane foam to make crosslinks with the free OH groups of cellulose and hemicellulose when the pressure is increased. Also, it may be attributed to the lignin of the ONP, which, under heat above 160°C and higher pressure flow, acts as a thermosetting adhesive, enhancing the naturally occurring hydrogen bonds. Waste sawdust of particleboard and palm leaves, pulped mechanically at 120°C, was blended individually to the ONP at a certain percentage. The mechanical properties and water resistance were improved by approximately 10%. The volume resistivity of the produced composites was measured. It was found that it had increased, as had the pressure, polymer concentration, and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]