Synthesis of cellulose from office waste paper and the effect on mechanical properties of cellulose/kenaf/epoxy composite

Abstract

Environmental and open public health aspects have an important and increasing role, especially in the exploration of natural fibers from recycle materials. The aim of this study is to synthesis cellulose from office waste paper and use it as a reinforcement filler to develop biocomposites. Epoxy reinforced kenaf fiber and cellulose composite were prepared in this study using polymer casting technique consisting of grinded kenaf fibre (natural fibre) 5% and epoxy 95% as reinforcement element. Cellulose was synthesized from recycled office papers and used as a filler to prepare cellulose/kenaf reinforced epoxy composite. Effect of cellulose to the mechanical properties of the composite were investigated. Samples were fabricated by weight percentage of 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% of cellulose content. For mechanical properties impact test, Rockwell harness and tensile testings were conducted.