RICE HUSK (RH)-GLASS FIBRE (GF) HYBRID UNSATURATED POLYESTER COMPOSITES: THE EFFECT OF FILLER CONTENT AND RH:GF RATIO ON THE MECHANICAL AND DIMENSIONAL STABILITY PROPERTIES

摘要

Rice husk (RH)-glass fibre (GF) hybrid unsaturated polyester composites had been produced. Tensile, flexural, impact and dimensional properties of the composites had been investigated. From the results, it was observed that GF imparted higher tensile, flexural and impact properties compared to samples without GF. RH-GF composites with higher filler content displayed greater tensile, flexural and impact properties than those with lower filler content. The incorporation of RH had in some cases resulted in the reduction in properties, which could be attributed to the irregularly shaped RH fillers. The presence of RH in the composites has also resulted in the increase in water absorption and thickness swelling. Overall, the study showed that RH together with GF had produced composites with acceptable properties.