Mechanical, water absorption, and morphology of recycled polymer blend rice husk flour biocomposites

Abstract

Rice husk flour (RHF) biocomposites based on uncompatibilized and compatibilized recycled high density polyethylene/recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rHDPE/rPET) with ethylene‐glycidyl methacrylate (E‐GMA) copolymer were prepared through a two‐step extrusion and hot pressing with fiber loadings of 40, 60, and 80 wt %. Results showed that tensile and flexural properties increased. However, the elongation to break and impact strength decreased as the RHF loading increased. Compatibilizing polymer blend matrices can further enhance the mechanical properties. Water absorption (WA) test were examined in distilled and seawater. It is interesting to note that for composites made from uncompatibilized matrix, the calculated D and KSR were lower in seawater, but for the compatibilized matrix composites, the D and KSR obtained were generally lower in distilled water. However, compatibilization of rHDPE/rPET has been markedly reduced the WA and thickness swelling. Scanning electron microscope analysis of the compatibilized matrix composites confirmed the improved interfacial bonding of matrix–matrix and filler–matrix phases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41494.

Hygrothermal effect on mechanical properties of vinylester/carbon and isopolyester/carbon composites

“…Vinylester/carbon specimens showed 8.57% degradation whereas isopolyester/carbon specimen showed reduction in ILSS of 10.5% at 60 0 C for duration of 196 days at hygrothermic conditions. The similar observations at higher duration and temperature had higher moisture absorption as reported by Chen et.al [16][17]. All the composite specimen analysed showed degradation in UTS, flexural strength and ILSS due to hygrothermic condition.…”

Characterization of Rice Husk-Incorporated Recycled Thermoplastic Blend Composites

“…3. The relationship of water content with time appeared to conform to Fickian diffusion behavior, in that the water uptake increased rapidly during the initial stage and then gradually reached an equilibrium state (Chen et al 2015a). Table 2 lists the water uptake values of the rTPB/RH composites at 2 h, 24 h, and at maximum water uptake (Mm).…”

Biocomposites Based on Rice Husk Flour and Recycled Polymer Blend: Effects of Interfacial Modification and High Fibre Loading

“…According to ASTM D570-98 (Chen et al 2015a), the specimens were cut to a length of 76.2 mm, width of 25.4 mm, and height of 3.2 mm. Prior to immersion, the specimens were dried in an oven at 90 °C for 24 h to eliminate trapped moisture.…”

“…According to Chen et al (2015b), rHDPE/rPET/E-GMA (70/25/5 w/w/w) was extruded via single screw extruder and then used as matrix for producing RH composites with the filler of 30 to 70 wt.% and 3% MAPE using twin screw extruder, the resultant composites showed a great enhancement in modulus properties and thermal stability. On the other hand, 40, 60, and 80 wt.% RH-filled composites (with 3% MAPE), based on treated and untreated rHDPE/rPET 75/25 matrix with 5% E-GMA, were extruded twice via twin screw extrusion; results indicated better mechanical results and dimensional stability for RH composites with treated matrix (Chen et al 2015a). Kaewkuk et al (2013) concluded that fiber treatment (alkali and heat treatment) and adding MAPP contributed to an enhancement the interfacial adhesion between the sisal fibre and the PP matrix.…”

“…The RH-filled composites are increasingly being used in the automotive industry such as door panels and trims, and in the building construction like decks, windows, slidings and green furniture. Compared to wood-based composites, in terms of performance and ecological, manufacture of RH-filled composites can be considered to have higher novelty due to the higher resistance to termite attack and better dimensional stability besides the limited wood resources in global (Chen et al 2015a).…”