Study of the Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites Based on Polyolefins with the Addition of Rice Husk and Compatibilizer

Abstract

The present work studies the mechanical behavior of rice husk as a reinforcement element in mixtures of polyolefins. The composites were made by polyolefin mixtures of 30% LDPE, 40% HDPE and 30% PP, rice husk and Polybond as a compatibilizer. Samples for the tensile test were prepared by injection and compressive methods. The results confirm that rice husk alongside the compatibilizer bring about positively in the strength of composites. In reference to the adherence of rice husk to the mixture of polyolefins, which was studied from the microstructure of composites, the addition of compatibilizer improves the adherence between the polyolefins and rice husk, and thereby the quality in the fracture surface. These composites are considered to be a good alternative for the recovery of plastic agricultural waste.