Enhancement of Processability of Rice Husk Filled High-density Polyethylene Composite Profiles

Abstract

The effect of coupling agent and processing aid on the performance properties of rice husk filled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites was studied. Composite profiles of HDPE filled with 65% rice husk were extruded using a single screw extruder with die dimensions of 3 Â 8 mm. Processability and performance properties of the composites were highly dependent on the concentration of the coupling agent and processing aid in the composite formulation. Attempt was made to optimize the composite formulation with respect to both coupling agent and processing aid to attain optimum mechanical and water absorption properties with an optimum extrusion rate. Incorporation of a terpolymer (ethylene-acrylic ester-maleic anhydride) based coupling agent enhanced the properties of the composites with a significant reduction in the extrusion rate. Addition of processing aid enhanced the extrusion rate and showed a negative impact on the performance properties. Composites with a coupling agent to processing aid ratio of 0.73 : 0.59 by weight showed an optimum combination of performance properties and extrusion rate.

Chemical, morphological and mechanical analysis of sisal fiber-reinforced recycled high-density polyethylene composites

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Rice husk ash – A valuable reinforcement for high density polyethylene

“…Coupling or compatibilizing agents have been used to improve dispersion, adhesion and compatibility between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic systems. These agents modify the interface by interacting with both the filler and the polymer, thus forming a link between these components [18]. RHA has also the ability to increase the thermal stability of the composites.…”

Materiais compósitos particulados em matriz epóxi reforçados com serragem, cimento e silicato de magnésio

“…Assim, a combinação de agentes de reforço naturais e polímeros sintéticos, de modo a fabricar produtos de menor custo que substituam os materiais de madeira tradicionais, oferecem uma gama bem variada de aplicações (PANTHAPULAKKAL; LAW; SAIN, 2005).…”