Abstract:
Rice husk (RH) reinforced polyethylene composites were
manufactured using extruder and Injection molding machine. Raw
rice husk was chemically treated with benzene diazonium salt in
alkali, acidic and neutral media separately in order to increase the
compatibility of rice husk filler with the polyethylene matrix. Both
raw and treated rice husk was utilized and four levels of filler
loading (25, 3D, 35 and 40 wt%) were used during composite
manufacturing. Microstructural analysis (Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy) and mechallical
testing (Tensile, flexural, impact, hardness and water absorption)
were conducted. The improvement of the interfacial bonding
between the rice husk filler and polyethylene matrix was highest in
alkali media, followed by the acidic and the neutrai media
respectively. Alkali media treated specimens Yielded the best set of
mechanical properties, while raw rice husk specimens had the worst
ones. Based on filler loading, 35% filler reinforced composites had
the optimum set of mechanical properties among all composites
manufactured.
