Study of the Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Plasticized PVC Composites Containing Rice Husk Fillers

Abstract

The present study develops new composite materials derived from environmentally friendly material, based on lignocellulosic fillers combined with a thermoplastic matrix. Cellulose fillers are obtained as a by-product of the agri-food industry; specifically rice husk with PVC thermoplastics as a matrix, since lignocellulosic materials such as fillers of composites materials, when used instead of inorganic substances and synthetic fibers, offer more advantages in terms of environmental protection. With a view to identifying the degree of influence of filler amount, plasticizer concentration, and filler particle size on the properties of this new composite, we tested its mechanical properties and analyzed tensile fracture surfaces using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).