Rice Husk Fiber Research Articles

Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Hemp/Rice-Husk/E-Glass Fiber Cardanol Epoxy Matrix Hybrid Composites

ABSTRACT In the present investigation, the mechanical and thermal properties of a hybrid epoxy matrix composite fabricated with natural hemp, rice husk fibers, synthetic E-glass fiber and phenolic cardanol bio-resin by hand lay-up process were studied. The composites were fabricated with varying weight concentrations of fillers and matrix. In this work, the effect of natural fiber and cardanol on the fiber-matrix bonding and the hybrid composite stability were studied. Tensile, flexural, Shore D hardness, Izod impact absorption, TGA, and DTA properties were studied. The results indicated improved thermal and dimensional stability with enhanced tensile performance of the specimens due to the superior bonding ability of cardanol leading to better fiber encapsulation. Cardanol also enhances the biodegradability of the hybrid composite.

A Simplified Techno-Economic Analysis for Sophorolipid Production in a Solid-State Fermentation Process

Sophorolipids (SLs) are microbial biosurfactants with an important role in industry and a continuously growing market. This research addresses the use of sustainable resources as feedstock for bioproducts. Winterization oil cake (WOC) and molasses are suitable substrates for SLs via solid-state fermentation (SSF). The model proposed herein was established for annually processing 750 t of WOC and comparing three support materials: wheat straw (WS), rice husk (RH), and coconut fiber (CF). Production capacity ranged 325–414 t of SLs per year. Unit Production Cost was 5.1, 5.7, and 6.9 USD/kg SL for WS, RH, and CF production models, respectively, and was slightly lower with other substrates. Financial parameters were CAPEX 6.7 MM USD and OPEX 1.9 MM USD/y, with a NPV, IRR and payback time of 6.4 MM USD, 31% and 3.2 y, respectively. SLs recovery from the solid matrix was the major contributor to operating costs, while fermentation equipment shaped capital costs. Results show that the physical properties (bulk density, WHC) of substrates and supports define process costs beyond substrate purchase costs and process yields in SSF systems. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to model SLs production via SSF at full scale for the economic valuation of the SSF process.

Resíduo a base de uva como substrato para aclimatização de Oncidium baueri Lindl.

Abstract The use of agricultural residues as a substrate is a promising option for orchid acclimatization, which is a critical stage of micropropagation. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the use of grape residue S-10 Beifort®, isolated or mixed with other agricultural residues, in the acclimatization of Oncidium baueri Lindl. Five treatments were studied (S-10 Beifort®; S-10 Beifort® + carbonized rice husk (CRH); S-10 Beifort® + coconut fiber (CF); S-10 Beifort® + CRH + CF; CRH + CF), with four replications containing 10 seedlings each. After 120 days, the highest survival rate occurred with the mixture CRH + CF (62.5%). The mixture of S-10 Beifort® with CRH provided a greater shoot length (3.7 cm), not differing from the mixture of the three substrates (2.9 cm). S-10 Beifort® + CRH and the mixture of the three substrates ensured greater root length (3.8 cm). The mixture of the three residues provided the highest average of fresh and dry mass accumulation. The pH variation between the substrates was from 5.2 to 6.3, while S-10 Beifort® presented the highest electrical conductivity (2030 μS cm-1) and the mixture of this material with carbonized rice husk presented the highest water retention capacity. The use of a mixture of S-10 Beifort® with carbonized rice husk or with carbonized rice husk and coconut fiber (1:1:1) is indicated for the acclimatization of Oncidium baueri Lindl.

Hybrid polyurethane/natural fibers composites optimized by simplex-centroid mixture design

Low-cost hybrid polyurethane/natural fibers composites were developed and characterized in terms of elastic modulus, resilience, permanent deformation in compression test, and ash content. Composites manufactured in the form of foams were made with partial replacement of 10% (w/w) of polyethylene glycol by natural fibers from rice husk (R.H.), cassava bagasse (C.B.) and wood fiber (W.F.). Composites containing untreated fibers and mercerized fibers were also developed. A simplex-centroid mixture model was used for statistical analysis of the effects caused by the addition of the fibers. Based on the complete cubic model considering all the interactions, it was possible to obtain the common optimum, regarding all the properties studied. For hybrid composites with natural fibers, the optimal composition is 4.5% of C.B. and 95.49% of W.F. while for composites with mercerized fibers is 39.24% of R.H., 26.30% of C.B., and 34.46% of W.F.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyester and Rice Husk Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites for Structural Applications

Abstract: In current years composites have concerned considerable importance as a potential operational material. The composite materials are replacing the traditional materials, because of its superior properties such as low thermal expansion, high tensile strength, high strength to weight ratio ,Low cost, light weights, high specific modulus, renewability, and biodegradability are the most basic & common attractive features of composites that make them useful for industrial applications. The composite have generally minimal effort of creation, simple to create and better-quality contrast than perfect polymer tars. The developments of new materials are on the anvil and are growing day by day. In this study, Woven roving mats (E-glass fiber orientation (-45/45, 0/90, 45/45),UD450GSM) were cut in measured dimensions and a mixture of Polyester Resin, Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEKP), Cobalt and rice husk powder is used to manufacture the glass fiber reinforced composite by hand lay-up method. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact are evaluated Keywords: Epoxy Resin, e-glass fibre, fly ash, Biodegradability, Mechanical Properties

Comparative analysis of mechanical behaviour of glass fiber and rice husk reinforced composites

This survey paper is pointed toward featuring past works of RH-filled polymer composites give data to applications and further examination in this space. Based on the information gathered, using RH-filled composites as an alternative material in aircraft and boats is extremely feasible, with their major thrusts being lightweight and low effort. However, more research into physical and synthetic treatments to strengthen the interfacial binding with the polymeric network is needed, as the fiber-polymer link is critical in determining the final composite qualities. To understand the pre-owned polymer mixes as the grid and optional fillers may influence the properties would give fascinating territories to be investigated. In this study, rice husk was mixed with glass fibers in (50 + 50) and (25 + 50) weight percentage. A glass fiber and polymer were used as binder in 25% of the mass of the fillers. A sufficient number of small specimens were produced to perform small-scale tests and assess properties such as compressive strength, thermal conductivity, dynamic stiffness, improvement in impact sound insulation, sound absorption and transmission loss. Here the data based on the rice husk and glass fiber oriented composite analysis is carried out to bring a optimized fiber reinforced polymer composites.

A Novel Study of Synthesis and Experimental Investigation on Hybrid Biocomposites for Biomedical Orthopedic Application

In recent years the biocomposites are highly utilized in the biomedical applications, due to excellent strength as well as weight ratio. A lot of natural fibers, namely, flax, hemp, jute, kenaf, and sisal are cheaply available in colossal amount. Aim of this study, a novel approach, is executed for construction of biomedical orthopedic parts by using mixture of natural fibers. This work handled biocomposites such as flax fiber (FX), chicken feather fiber (CF), kenaf fiber (KF), and rice husk fiber (RH) effectively. From all these composites, four sets of mixed fibers with reinforcement of polylactic acid polymer used for creating orthopedic parts. The hand-lay-based methodology is undertaken for preparation of hybrid biocomposites. Parameters involved for this study are fiber types (KF + RH, RH + FX, FX + CF, and CF + KF), laminate count (2, 4, 6 and 8) infill density (30%, 60%, 90%, and 120%), and raster angle (0/60, 30/120, 50/140, and 70/160). Finding of this work is dimensional accuracy, flexural strength, and shore hardness that are analyzed by L16 orthogonal array. ANOVA statistical analysis is enhanced and enlightens the results of flexural strength and source hardness of the biocomposites. Amongst in four parameters, the fiber type parameter extremely contributes such as 40.50% in the flexural analysis. Similarly, laminate count parameter highly contributes such as 31.01% in the shore hardness analysis.

Toughening of Ceramic Shell Mould with Rice Husk Fiber (CSm-RH) to Improve Strength Property and Mould Performance

For ages, ceramic shell mould (CSm) have been extensively applied in investment casting industry. The formation of CSm requires multiple steps of dipping, layering drying and firing stages. The later steps are very crucial as the solidification thin layer CSm that consist of loose ceramic particles easily cracks when exposed to the higher thermal effect. The inclusion of fiber or any reinforces phases is able to enhance fired ceramic body and also strengthen the green ceramic structure. Thus, the feasibility of rougher NaOH treated rice husk fiber (RHT) prior embedded into composited structure has shown a significant CSm improvement by induced a better adhesion properties and larger bonding area with brittle ceramic matrix, resulted in increased green strength (1.34 MPa) and fired body strength (4.32 MPa). Owing to the decomposed of lignin layer in CSm with untreated rice husk fiber (CSm-RHU) exhibited a higher porosity that provide a better permeation paths of air flow during molten metal pouring as increased 30 % from the standard CSm permeability, giving an enormous benefit for investment casting cooling process. Overall, the incorporation of RHT fiber in a CSm matrix of both green and fired body governed in toughening of brittle ceramic body, hence avoid failure to the casting mould.

A study of the possibilities of using linseed flour and rice husk fiber as an additional source of raw materials in the bakery industry

The paper is devoted to solving the problem of the nutritional and biological value of rye-wheat bread by enriching it with non-traditional local plants raw materials – linseed flour and rice husk fiber. Rice husks are rarely used in bakery production, and in most cases remain unprocessed. However, this research defined the right ways for using them and set as a preliminary work in this field. The study has been carried out in two stages: firstly, linseed flour was added to the rye-wheat bread recipe in an amount of 5; 10; 15; 20 % to the weight of wheat flour. Secondly, dietary fiber was added to these experimental samples, prepared from rice husks without removing amorphous silicon dioxide in an amount of 0.3; 0.5; 0.7 % to the total mass of rye-wheat flour. The optimization of the ratios of the flour components with a simplex-lattice design was carried out and the rheological measurements of dough and bread were conducted on the farinograph and Chopin alveograph. The study results experimentally found that mixtures of rye-wheat flour and linseed flour with the addition of fiber as “medium in strength” give bread with sufficient volume. The recipe optimization parameters indicated that rational percentage of fiber and linseed flour up to 0.5 % and 15 %, respectively allows increasing the nutritional and biological value of finished products, improves the crumb structure, gas-holding and water-holding capacity of bread, which in turn prevents the stale process and thereby increases the shelf life of finished products. The obtained results allow us to suggest that, this recipe optimization model could be used in further research, as studies in this direction are limited

Experimental investigation of three-body abrasive wear behavior of rice husk filled polylactic acid (PLA) composites

Investigation of three-body abrasive wear behavior of rice husk-filled Polylactic acid (PLA) composites of different weight percentages of 90/10, 80/20, and 70/30 and compared with the pure PLA. The experiments were carried in accordance with the ASTM G65 by using a rubber wheel abrasion tester (RWAT). The experiments were conducted for a load of 9.81, 29.46, and 49.65 N at an abrading distance of 300 m using 106microns abrasive dry Silica sand particles as a third body. The results of the experimental study revealed that the weight loss increases with an increase in applied load and wear resistance increases with an increase in fiber content in PLA composites. The greater wear resistance occurred at 30 wt% of rice husk fiber in the composite. With the help of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), the worn surfaces are analyzed.

Modelling and analysis of thermal conductivity of a hybrid polymer composite reinforced with particulate rice husk and particulate carbon fibre

Modelling and analysis of thermal conductivity of a hybrid polymer composite reinforced with particulate rice husk and particulate carbon fibre

Optimization of tensile strength of PLA/clay/rice husk composites using Box-Behnken design

It is extremely important to save costs and time while enhancing accuracy in experimentation. However, no study has utilized response surface methodology (RSM) to obtain the effects of independent parameters on properties of PLA/clay/rice husk composites. This study focused on optimization of tensile strength of fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites. RSM using Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to determine optimum blending parameters of the developed composites. Fiber-reinforced PLA composites were prepared using compression molding. Rice husk fiber and clay filler were used to enhance tensile properties of PLA. Five factors, namely, clay filler loading (1 − 5 wt.%), rice husk fiber loading (10 − 30 wt.%), alkali concentration (0 − 4 wt.%), rice husk variety (K85, K98), and alkali type (NaOH, Mg(OH)2) were varied with 68 individual experiments. Tensile tests were carried out according to ASTM D638 standards. ANOVA results revealed that the quadratic models best fit the tensile strength response, with filler loading and fiber loading factors as the most significant model terms. Interaction effects were more predominant than linear and quadratic effects. The developed models used to determine maximum tensile strengths of PLA/clay/rice husk composites were in close agreement with experimental findings (R2 values of 0.9635, 0.9624, 0.9789, and 0.9731 for NaOH-modified K85 rice husks, Mg(OH)2-modified K85 rice husks, NaOH-modified K98 rice husks, and Mg(OH)2-modified K98 rice husks respectively). Individual optimal conditions were used to predict maximum tensile strengths in each set of developed composites. The predicted tensile strengths were 32.09 MPa, 33.69 MPa, 32.47 MPa, and 32.75 MPa for PLA/clay composites loaded with NaOH-modified K85 rice husks, Mg(OH)2-modified K85 rice husks, NaOH-modified K98 rice husks, and Mg(OH)2-modified K98 rice husks, respectively, which were very close to the obtained experimental values of 31.73 MPa, 33.06 MPa, 32.02 MPa, and 31.86 MPa respectively.

Comparative study of high-density polyethylene-based biocomposites reinforced with various agricultural residue fibers

The characteristics of natural fibers have significant effects on properties of natural fiber/polymer composites (NFPCs). Herein, agricultural residues (ARs) fibers, including wheat straw (WS), rice straw (RS), rice husk (RH), sugarcane bagasse (SB), cotton stalk (CS), and Moso bamboo fiber (MB) were selected as reinforcement to fabricate NFPCs via extrusion processing. The chemical and physical properties of the fibers were determined. The mechanical properties, hygroscopicity, rheological properties, and dimensional stability of the resulting composites were studied. The MB fiber had the highest α-cellulose content (46.4 %), lignin content (26.4 %), and crystallinity index (60.2 %). The CS fiber contained the lowest α-cellulose content (29.1 %) and the highest extractive content (8.9 %). RS and RH fibers, which with much higher ash content than the other fibers, had the lowest lignin (11.9 %) and extractive (2.7 %) contents, respectively. A reduction of fiber length and L/D can be observed after extrusion. SB fibers (794.4 μm) was longer than other ARs fibers, and the MB and RH had the highest (3.6) and lowest (2.0) L/D, respectively. Addition of ARs fibers in HDPE can improve the tensile and flexural strength, and the mechanical modulus of composites was more than 3 times higher than HDPE. The best mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and thermostability were obtained for the MB-based composite. Composite filled with RH showed the poorest mechanical properties but the best processability. CS-and RS-based composites exhibited much lower Vicat softening temperature (85.57 °C and 87.24 °C) due to the lower α-cellulose content and higher extractive content in the fibers. The ARs had the great potential as fillers to prepare NFPCs. It is anticipated that the findings will provide useful design inputs for making construction and building materials.

Caffeine adsorptive performance and compatibility characteristics (Eisenia foetida Savigny) of agro-industrial residues potentially suitable for vermifilter beds

The caffeine adsorptive performance and compatibility characteristics (Eisenia foetida Savigny) of rice husk, peanut shell, corn cob and coconut fiber were studied, aiming to assess the suitability of these residues for vermifilter beds. For this purpose, the agro-industrial residues were characterized and the E. foetida Savigny compatibility was determined by acute and chronic toxicity tests. Batch adsorption tests were performed using caffeine solutions. Optimal adsorption conditions, kinetic models, isotherm type and the influence of three particle sizes (120–150, 300–600, 800–2000 μm) in the caffeine removal were determined. Coconut fiber (120–150 μm) proved to be the most efficient residue for the caffeine removal (94.2%), requiring 4 g/L for 30 min. However, coconut fiber was the less compatible for earthworms (14d-LC50 = 82%). The results obtained allow to define adequate strategies, such as mixing highly adsorptive residues with the more compatible ones, to choose the most effective materials for vermifiltration technologies.

Rice-husk fiber reinforced composite (RFRC) drilling parameters optimization using RSM based desirability function approach

This study conducts with the drilling process optimization of rice husk fiber-reinforced polymer composite (RFRC) using the response surface method (RSM)-based desirability function approach. There were four important input factors used for the milling process performance analysis: screw speed, feed rate, type of resin, and drill bit. The results showed that spindle speed and resin type are highly influential parameters on surface roughness, however, the tool and resin type are enormously affecting on delamination. Likewise, the Kevlar drill provided better effectiveness in this cutting process. The variance analysis (ANOVA) indicates that the experimental data is well correlated achieving a 95% confidence interval. Furthermore, this technique determined the significance level according to its factors and their combinations. Hence, the optimized results showed the polyester resin composite plus rice husk, by means of the desirability of 0.678, is the best combination. The results of roughness, input, and output delamination factors were 1.167 μm, 1.3175, and 1.5348, respectively. Finally, it can be seen how the tool thrust force is the main cause of delamination by using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Additionally, a clean-cut was presented not only by the polyester matrix fiber fragility but also by the superior machinability.

A Review of the Concrete Performance at Elevated Temperature Mixed with Rice Husk and Polypropylene Fibre

This paper deals with the effect of addition of various proportion of polypropylene (PP) fibre and rice husk on the properties of concrete. A lot of experiments were conducted by different authors to explore the effect of raw rice husk and PP fibre and rice husk on tensile, compressive, flexural strength under different temperature condition. The objective of these experiments was to study the effect of polypropylene fibre and raw rice husk at different varying content and to find the optimum content of such admixtures. Concrete specimens were tested at different curing level to check mechanical properties of concrete. A detailed study was carried out at different high temperature conditions. Result shows polypropylene fibre provide a scape matrix to scape excess vapour pressure developed at higher temperature along with reinforcing properties. Rice husk works as a great insulating agent and also enhances the inert properties of concrete. With the various advantages and disadvantages of PP fibre and RRH, this paper is focusing on how there can be an establishment of a certain proportion which makes concrete thermally insulated maintaining higher strength.

The Effect of Rice Husk and Saw Dusk Filler on Mechanical Property of Bio Composite from Sago Starch

Some materials derived from plants can be used as a source of biodegradable thermoplastic materials such as rice, potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, sago, etc. In this research, thermoplastic sago starch (TPS) with a mixture of two types of fillers was synthesized to become environmentally friendly composites that can be naturally degraded in a relatively short time compared to other conventional plastics which decompose in decades, hence can contribute to environmental conservation efforts. Increasing the strength of bio composite through the presence of fillers will expand its application such as for household application. Sago is available in large quantities in Indonesia and needs to be utilized optimally to increase its added value. TPS is synthesized using sorbitol as a plasticizer so that it becomes a starch paste. Composites are moulded by means of compression moulding using TPS and cellulose as a filler and Polypropylene (PP). The fillers used were sawdust and rice husk with several variations to obtain optimal combination, to improve the mechanical performance of the composites. For rice husk fibre, the highest tensile strength value 13.82 MPa, found at 40% fibre with ratio of TPS: PP 1: 0.5, and the highest elongation value was 16.47% at 40% fibre at ratio of TPS : PP 1: 0.5. For Sawdust fibre, the highest tensile strength value 11.08 MPa, obtained at 20% fibre at ratio of TPS : PP 1 : 1, and the highest elongation value was 18.57% at 20% fibre with ratio of TPS : PP 1 : 1. Type of filler has different effect on the tensile strength and elongation of the bio composite,

Study on the Properties of an Ecotype Mortar with Rice Husks and Sisal Fibers

Adding plant fibers such as rice husks or sisals to the mortar is one of the main methods to reuse the agricultural wastes and reduce the energy consumption of building industry. However, recent research showed some limitation of the mortar mixed with plant fibers. In this paper, sisal fibers and rice husks were added together into cement mortar to investigate its mechanical properties and the optimum mixture ratio of sisal fiber and rice husk by mix ratio test and orthogonal test. The microstructure of the sisal fiber was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand how the properties of the mortar were affected. Results showed that adding sisal fiber and rice husk into cement mortar significantly improved the mechanic property, anticrack performance, and impermeability of the mortar. The highest compressive strength and flexural strength can reach 17.1 MPa and 3.3 MPa. The area of early cracks was reduced by 100%, and the maximum seepage pressure was 0.36 MPa. The microstructure analysis also indicated that adding rice husk and sisal fiber have a positive effect on the mortar. These results support that adding 0.1% volume admixture of 16 mm length sisal fiber with 35% rice husk into mortar is helpful for engineering application.

Palm oil fuel ash application in cold mix dense-graded bituminous mixture

The performance of cold mix cold-laid emulsified asphalt mixtures is often improved by additives like rice husk ash, fly ash, fibres, and lime for varying applications. High void content, weak early strength, and slow rate of strength gain remain an unsolved challenge for cold mixtures. This study explored the feasibility of utilising palm oil fuel ash (POFA) in a fast-curing cold mix asphalt (CMA) as a filler replacement. Large volumes of POFA waste deposited in landfills continue to pose threats to the environment; thus, needs redress. This study employed a fine dense-graded CMA with a nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) of 4.75 mm (FGCMA-4.75 mm). This study aimed to improve CMA’s volumetric and mechanical performance by reducing the inherent void content and enhancing the cracking, rutting, and moisture damage resistances. Ten mix types were cast with 1–4% POFA by dry weight of aggregate replacing granite filler. The study tested mixtures for Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS), Indirect Tensile Stiffness Modulus (ITSM), Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR), dynamic creep, Cantabro loss, and Marshall stability and flow including volumetric properties. Results showed that POFA addition in CMA yields a significant progressive improvement in Marshall volumetric properties due to its pozzolanic properties revealed by XRF and FTIR. There is improved ITS, ITSM, dynamic creep, and Cantabro loss between 1 and 3% POFA percentage replacements. Also, POFA waste had proven to be an excellent pozzolanic filler as translated by improvement in the ITS, coupled with up to 96% resistance to moisture damage that of an HMA. Furthermore, the minimal Cantabro loss – 33.85% and high ITS of 586 kPa revealed improved durability. The addition of 3% cement complements the POFA in producing a higher stiffness mixture while adequate strength was attained within 2–4 days of curing, signifying improved early strength gain. The research concluded that incorporating 3% POFA in FGCMA-4.75 mm mixtures has better mechanical performance with 3 – 5% voids similar for an HMA, against the usual voids of 5 – 10% common to CMA.

Seawater modification of lignocellulosic fibers: comparison of rice husk and rice straw fibers

Scientific investigations on the non-chemical modification of lignocellulosic fibers are important for engineers when they design green wood-plastic composites. Two types of lignocellulosic fibers, namely rice husk and rice straw fibers, were studied. The physicochemical and thermal properties of the fibers with and without seawater modification were compared. The results suggested that seawater modification improved the physicochemical and thermal properties of the fibers, and that it specifically increased the surface roughness, crystallinity, and pyrolysis temperature at 5% weight loss, and decreased the silicon, hemicellulose, and lignin content of the fibers. Compared with rice husk fibers, rice straw fibers exhibited a high growth ratio of crystallinity and pyrolysis temperature at 5% weight loss, and a high loss ratio of silicon. Seawater modification of rice husk and rice straw fibers could improve fiber–polymer compatibility.