This paper deals with the effect of processing conditions on the mechanical properties of composite material made from newsprint and polystyrene. A masterbatch compound with weight ratio of 50:50 (polystyrene/fiber) was prepared using a Brabender intensive type mixer. Composites with various percentage of fiber, e.g., 40, 30, 20, and 10 of fiber were obtained by adding the measured amount of polymer to the masterbatch followed by another mixing period of time. Test samples were compression molded into shoulder-shaped test specimens, using a steam-heated press, and, kept in room conditioning at 23°C and 50 of relative humidity for a week 48 h prior to testing. The Young's modulus and the strength at break were evaluated, and the averages of six measurements were reported.Test results showed that newsprint loading level has a significant impact on mechanical performance of the resulting composites. Tensile strength increased at first linearly with newsprint content, then reached asymptote at higher level of newsprint content 40 or more. As the Young's modulus is concerned, there is a linear relationship between tensile Young's modulus and fiber concentration as proposed by the various models in the literature.
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