Utilization of Waste Paper in the Manufacture of Natural Rubber Composite for Radiation Shielding

Abstract

Investigations have continued for economic utilization of lignocellulosic waste, which represents one of the environmental problems facing third world countries. In this work, we intended to use old newsprint paper (ONP) as a filler in radiation shielding rubber composite. In this respect, the treatment of ONP with magnetite was carried out. The effect of incorporating untreated and treated newsprint in the rubber matrix on the swelling, electrical and mechanical properties, as well as gamma and neutron-shielding power has been studied. The changes in physico-mechanical properties of such composites by γ-irradiation were also investigated. This study led to conclusion that composite samples containing 6% wax and 54% newspaper or 18% wax and 42% modified ONP has the higher behavior to γ-irradiation dose. The incorporation of modified waste paper into the rubber matrix increases the conductivity and enhances the mechanical properties of produced composites. At higher non modified and modified newspaper loadings a serious loss of rubber elasticity were noticed. Composite with good attenuation properties for both gamma rays and thermal neutrons was produced from incorporation of 54% modified newsprint with 6% paraffin wax.