The investigation of the mechanical thermal and physical properties of using waste toner/MCC/old newspaper fiber in polypropylene hybrid composites

In this study, the effects of polypropylene (PP) composites produced by adding 10% old newspaper fibers (ONP), 5% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), 3% polypropylene carbonate (PPC), and waste toner from 1% to 4% on the mechanical properties, physical properties, morphological, and thermal properties were investigated. According to the FTIR-ATR and SEM-EDS analysis results, it was determined that a significant part of the waste toner used in the study consisted of polystyrene co-acrylate, and the remaining part consisted of carbon black and trace amounts of silicate. In the research, it was determined that the flexural and tensile strengths of MCC/ONP/PP composites containing 1% waste toner and 3% PPC increased by 13% and 46%, respectively, compared to the control sample. Additionally, the samples with the lowest water absorption values were measured in composites containing 1% waste toner and 3% PPC. The highest crystallinity value (50.75%) was obtained with the use of 1% waste toner and 3% PPC in MCC/ONP/PP composites. However, with waste toner usage above 1%, the mechanical, thermal properties, and water absorption rate have slightly decreased. As a result of the study, it was concluded that up to 1% waste toner with 3% PPC can be used successfully in MCC/ONP/PP composites. Characterisation of waste toner and thermal decomposition of hybrid composites. image