Mechanical and morphological study of rice husk reinforced LDPE composites with organic filler

摘要

The mechanical properties of rice husk composites were studied for various range of rice husk (0%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) filled low density polyethylene. Natural fibers extracted from plants gained attention owing to their advantage over synthetic polymers. Nowadays composites prepared with natural fibers are among the most keenly required materials. In the present study raw rice husk is treated in order to enhance the properties. The purpose of using annealing method is to increase the rate of reaction. Goal of this study is to observe the effect of chemical treatment to enhance the properties of rice husk that may be used as reinforcement in polymers to make ecofriendly, lightweight, biodegradable polymer composites. The properties of (LDPE/rice husk (RH)) composites are analyzed as a function of the rice husk amount. Modification in morphology of rice husk with treatment is observed through SEM technique. All prepared composites showed improved fibers dispersion in the low density polyethylene matrix. All composites displayed lower elongation of break compared to pure LDPE.