Performance of Paper Sludge/Polypropylene Fiber/Lignocellulosic Fiber Composites

The effectiveness of the coupling agent addition and the paper sludge addition on the performance of the paper sludge/polypropylene fiber/lignocellulosic fiber composites was investigated. In the experiment, two addition levels of the paper sludge and four addition levels of the coupling agent, and an emulsionof maleic anhydride modified polypropylene (MAPP) were designed to discuss the physical and mechanical properties of the composites. Water absorption and thickness swelling decreased with increasing the paper sludge and MAPP addition. Also, modulus of rupture (MOR) decreased with 30wt% paper sludge addition. But no significant effect of the paper sludge addition appeared by 30 wt% compared to 0 wt% MOR increased slightly as MAPP addition. Internal bond strength generally increased with increasing in the paper sludge and MAPP addition. It is due to improved interaction and interfacial adhesion between the hydrophilic and polar lignocellulosic fiber with the hydrophobic and non-polar polymer. 1 wt% MAPP addition only produced a significant improvement on internal bond strength. Notched Izod impact strength decreased with an increase in the paper sludge and MAPP addition. All noteched Izod impact strength of the composites was higher than that of the control board.