RICE HUSK POWDER FILLED POLYSTYRENE / STYRENE BUTADIENE RUBBER BLENDS: CHEMICAL TREATMENT

摘要

Natural fibers are rich in cellulose and they are cheap, easily renewable source of fibers with the potential for polymer reinforcement. The presence of the large amount of hydroxyl groups makes natural fibers less attractive for reinforcement of polymeric materials. The composites made from polystyrene (PS) /styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) blend and treated rice husk powder (RHP) were prepared. The RHP was treated by esterification and acetylation. A similar series of composites was also prepared using maleic anhydride polypropylene (MA-PP) as a coupling agent. The tensile properties and surface morphology of untreated and chemically modified RHP were studied. Composites with MA-PP are the best with improved tensile strength. In general RHP/PS-SBR composites with chemical treatment and MA-PP show a better matrix phase and filler distribution. However the degree of filler matrix interaction dominated the ability of the composites to improve the mechanical properties.