Development of corrugated composites using newspaper and biodegradable or nonbiodegradable resins and their mechanical properties

In the present study advantage of composite formability was used in developing newspaper‐reinforced composites and corrugated boards using both biodegradable and nonbiodegradable resins. Tensile and bending properties were characterized. The corrugated board forming processes for water‐based biodegradable and nonbiodegradable resins have been described and their workability assessed. The paper forming process where the pulp fibers flow in preferred direction creates anisotropy of paper properties. This anisotropy is reflected in the composite properties as has been expected. The newspaper‐based composites and corrugated boards showed moderate tensile and flexural properties that are comparable to the conventional materials used. The properties obtained can be further improved by increasing the newspaper content and better resin penetration. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1863–1869, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers