Recent Progress of Rice Husk Reinforced Polymer Composites: A Review

Abstract

Recently, because of the rising population, carbon overloading, and environmental distress, human beings have needed to increase awareness and responsibility for the reduction of agricultural waste. The utilization of agricultural waste as a filler material in reinforced polymers is a fascinating discovery. This review paper attempts to study the physical, mechanical, and thermal behavior of rice husk (RH) as a fiber for reinforcing various synthetic polymers, based on recent studies, conducted between 2017 and 2021. It also highlights that advanced modification techniques could further improve the performance of composites by tailoring the physical and chemical substances of the fiber or matrix. The thermal properties, including flame-retardance and thermal behavior, are also discussed. The characteristics of the fiber–matrix interaction between RH and the polymer matrix provide essential insights into the future-ready applications of this agricultural waste fiber. The way forward in researching RH polymer composites is finally reviewed.

Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Thermal Properties of Longitudinal Basalt/Woven Glass Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Hybrid Composites

“…Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are fabricated by blending reinforcing fibers with a polymer matrix [ 1 ]. In nearly all cases, combining a matrix and reinforcing fiber results in composites with higher mechanical properties compared to the single components [ 2 , 3 ]. Optimization of the fabrication parameters are often used to achieve an optimum level of overall composite quality [ 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Preparation and Characterization of Polyethylene Biocomposites Reinforced by Rice Husk: Application as Potential Packaging Material

“…al. [13], which strengthens its importance and versatility. RH consists of cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin and silica.…”

“…Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a primary source of food and has become the world's second most important cereal crop. Rice husk (RH) occurs in huge quantities as a by-product of rice processing and is an agricultural waste that cannot be incinerated due to ash, harmful gases and fumes that contribute to air pollution [13]. Therefore, this material should be recycled through industrial use.…”

“…RH can be applied as a natural reinforcement material in the production of biocomposites due its biodegradability, availability and low price [1,14,15]. The exploitation of RH residues in biocomposites offers multiple advantages, for example, reducing the relative amount of constituents derived from synthetic polymers, such as resin polymers and some additives [13]. Besides its use as a filler in food packaging materials, RH can be used as a fuel, for activated carbon capture, polishing particles, cleaning agents and catalysts for water treatments.…”

Preparation and Properties of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites Filled with Powdered Buckwheat Husks

“…da Silva et al [ 17 , 18 ] investigated polyurethane foams based on modified tung oil and reinforced with rice husk ash. Rice husks are also used in other polymers (for example polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(lactic acid)) like a filler [ 19 ].…”