Recycled old newsprint fibers as a reinforcing filler in molded polyester composites

Using old newsprint (ONP) fibers as reinforcing filler in polyester (PE) co mposite has been studied. Using ONP fibers in PE composite resulted in a de crease in modulus of rupture (MOR) and an increase in modulus of elasticity (MOE) and tensile strength as compared with a neat PE composite. Also, wat er absorption and thickness swelling were increased as a result of using ON P fibers in the composite. Acetylation, steaming, and esterification (using maleic anhydride) of ONP fibers were performed to improve the dimensional stability of the produced composite. Acetylation and steaming of ONP fibers resulted in a decrease in the thickness swelling of the produced composite s; MOR, MOE, and tensile strength were also decreased as a result of these treatments. Esterification of ONP fibers using maleic anhydride resulted in a decrease in thickness swelling of the produced composite and, at the sam e time, an increase in MOR, MOE, and tensile strength. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.