The Effects of a Compatibilizer on the Properties of Polypropylene/Silica/White Rice Husk Ash Hybrid Composites

Abstract

The effects of partial replacement of silica by white rice husk ash (WRHA) and a compatibilizer, maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene (PP) on mechanical properties, water absorption and morphology of PP/silica/WRHA hybrid composites were studied. Results show that the increasing loading of WRHA in composites has increased the flexural modulus and tensile modulus but decrease the tensile strength, stress at yield, elongation at break and water absorption. At a similar filler loading, PP/silica/WRHA hybrid composites with a compatibilizer show better mechanical properties and lower water absorption. This observation was due to better filler-matrix adhesion as a result of the compatibilizer incorporation in the composites.