Extrusion processing of a high fibre loading of agrowaste in recycled polyolefin biocomposite

Abstract

A high loading rice husk fibre (RHF) incorporated polyolefin blend of recycled polyethylene high-density/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPEHD/rPET) biocomposite was produced through extrusion and hot/cold press process. Interfacial modification of biocomposites was conducted through alkalization (sodium hydroxide solution) of fibres, compatibilization (using E-GMA) and/or coupling agent (MA -g-PE) to improve the interaction between components and the homogeneity of materials blending. Alkalization of fibres had improved the impact strength of biocomposites. The compatibilization and coupling effects on immiscible rPEHD/rPET blend and recycled polymer/RH filler, respectively, had led to an enhancement of mechanical performance and morphological stability. Scanning electron microscope micrograph revealed the improved matrix–matrix and filler–matrix interaction through interfacial modification. This investigation had shown that RHF mixed well with rPEHD/rPET/RHF to produce eco-friendly biocomposite products.