Abstract
Composites consisting of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and wastepaper powders were prepared by two different processing methods: the spinning-press method and the roll mixing method. The influence of the processing method on mechanical properties of wastepaper/HDPE composites was studied. The compatibilizing effect of a maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (MAHPE) between the wastepaper and HDPE was also investigated. It was found that the flexural properties of spinning-pressed composites were lower than those of roll mixed composites, but spinning-pressed composites showed improved fracture toughness than roll mixed composites. Mechanical measurements and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the addition of 5 to 10wt% MAHPE into the HDPE matrix was effective to enhance the mechanical properties of wastepaper/HDPE composites and to improve interfacial adhesion between the wastepaper powders and HDPE matrix.
