The aim of this study is to determine the effect of fiber loading on the mechanical properties of millet husk (MH) filled high density polyethylene (HDPE) thermoplastic composites. Three different fiber sizes; 250 μm, 500 μm and 750 μm were pulverized and the fiber loading was 10 %, 20 %, 30 % and 40% by weight. The MH-HDPE composites were prepared by application of internal mixer, accompanied by compression molding process. Tensile properties were tested using universal testing machine (UTM). The tensile strength increase from 0 % to 10 % by weight fiber loadings. But this strength decrease as the fiber loading increase, while the modulus increase as the loadings increases. At 30 % fiber loadings, the strength of the composites decrease for high fiber sizes of 500 μm and 750 μm and increases for small fiber sizes of 250 μm for both the composites strength and modulus . This is presume the maximum loading for MHHDPE composites.
This study provides an overview on green composites degradability. Practically, the main drawbacks of using natural fibers are their poor dimensional stability, degradability and high degree of moisture absorption. While, end use of product from natural fiber filled or reinforced composites has become subject of concern to material engineers and scientist. The major properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites are greatly dependent on the hydrophilic tendency and dimensional stability of the fibers used, morphology aspect ratio for long fiber, while voids for powder fibers. The effects of chemical treatments on cellulosic fibers that are used as reinforcements for thermoplastics were studied. The chemical source for the treatments is alkalization. The significance of chemically-treated natural fibers is seen through the improvement of mechanical properties. The untreated fiber composites degrade faster in municipal soil compared to treated fiber composites.
This experimental investigation aims at evaluating the thermal properties of rice husk ash (RHA)-filled gypsum plaster composite for potential applications, as insulating materials. The thermal conductivities of composites of gypsum plaster reinforced with RHA at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% volume fractions were determined experimentally using Lee's disc method. The experimental results show that integrating RHA reduces the thermal conductivity of gypsum plaster and improves its insulation capacity. The results obtained from the experiments were compared with the Rule of Mixture Model, Maxwell Model, and Russell Model. It was observed that the thermal conductivities obtained from experiments and the theoretical models decreased with an increase in the volume fraction of RHA. The errors associated with the models with respect to experimental results are on the average of 28.7% for Mixture Rule, 31.6% for Russel Model, and 18.8% for the Maxwell Model. An agricultural waste like RHA can be beneficially used for the preparation of composites and, due to improved insulation capability, these composites can be used for applications such as insulation boards and sheathing, hardboard, ceilings of roofs, decorations, etc.
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