Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Rice Husk Reinforced Polyethylene Composites Using Experiments with Mixtures

Abstract

In recent years, the use of agro-wastes, such as rice husk (RH), in the manufacture of thermoplastic composites to replace wood fibres has emerged as a promising field of interest. Linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE) and ground rice husk (GRH) were used to manufacture composites. The D-optimal design routine in Design Expert software was used to select ten different blends with different percentages of RH, MDPE and compatibiliser, maleated polyethylene (MAPE) along with four replicate blends. RH was varied between 15 to 50 wt%, MAPE between 1 to 6 wt% and MDPE between 44 to 84 wt%. The effects of RH, MDPE and MAPE content on the mechanical properties of the manufactured composites were examined. The results show that tensile and flexural properties of the composites were improved, whereas, Charpy impact strength was decreased with increasing RH loading. The effect of MAPE on tensile strength and Charpy impact strength was significant, but its effect was negligible on tensile modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus of the composites.