Strength Properties of Cellulosic Fibrous Mats Impregnated with Water Repellents Based on Reclaimed Polystyrene

Abstract

Cellulosic fibrous mats were impregnated with various water-repellent formulations based on reclaimed polystyrene (5, 10, 15, and 20%), alkyd resin (5%), gum rosin (5%), and paraffin wax (0.5%). The mats were tested for their bursting strength and resistance to bending. They were also subjected to the ring crush test and short-span compression test. By increasing the concentration of total solid ingredients (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25.5%), the retention and grammage of the mats were increased, and all strength properties were improved. All formulations containing 20% reclaimed polystyrene had the highest strength properties. The formulations containing alkyd resin had higher bursting and bending strength than gum rosin. However, the formulations with gum rosin exhibited higher strength than those with alkyd resin in the ring crush test and the short-span compression test. Adding paraffin wax in formulations with 20% reclaimed polystyrene and gum rosin did not affect the strength properties.