Decorative Products and Furniture from Newly Developed Recycled Paper Pulp

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Vachira Sangrutsamee

Abstract

This research is the development of composite material (paper pulp) for the manufacture of furniture and other decorative objects. The physical and mechanical properties of recycled pulp mixture were tested in ratios of 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 with and without plastic mesh. This material also consisted of cement, gypsum, sand, water (ratio 1:0.25:0.25:4 respectively). Different amounts of pulp, as described above, were mixed to develop composite material and to assemble the furniture and decorative objects. The composite material was then used to make furniture and tested.


The results showed that the use of paper and plastic mesh material improved the quality of the products. The increase in the amount of paper made low density (light weight) objects. The objects made from recycled composite material were easy to cut, drill and polish. Plastic mesh (net) increased the bending flexibility of the objects. The most suitable ratio for the production of furniture and decorative object was 1:0.25:0.25:4:0.10. For manufacturing children’s chairs, plastic water bottles were used to reduce the amount of materials, to reduce the weight and increase the compression efficiency as needed. Decorative objects with netted plastic properties of recycled composite material were as strong as wood and plywood. The furniture made from recycled composite material had similar qualities as plywood and was a good replacement for plywood furniture. Another interesting feature was that the swelling properties in water were lower than furniture made from plywood in the market.


Therefore, the use of composite material made from paper pulp is a good option for the production of furniture and decorative objects. It is a highly attractive and decorative alternative material for producing furniture in the market.

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References

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