Characterization and properties of HDPE/NBR/RHP composites with NAOH treatment

Abstract

The increasing of rice husk production has become an issue when open burning is strictly banned due to environmental reasons. Besides, poor interfacial adhesion between natural reinforcing fillers and polymer matrix is the most vital issue associated with composite. In this research, rice husk powder have been used as reinforcement for highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) matrices. The surface modification using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was carried out to modify the fiber properties. The mechanical and thermal properties of HDPE/NBR/RHP composites as well as NaOH treatment on RHP filler performance on HDPE/NBR/RHP composites were investigated. The composites were prepared by using heated two roll mill at temperature of 180 oC with speed of 15 rpm for 11 minutes and mixed samples were then compressed using a hot press at the same temperature to form 1mm sheet samples composites. Generally, the results obtained indicated that composites with NaOH treated RHP showed a better tensile strength, Young’s Modulus, degradation temperature, thermal stability and crystallinity than composites with untreated RHP. Micrographs of tensile fractured surface showed that composites with NaOH treated RHP have a good attachment of RHP filler on matrix. FTIR results showed the presence of NaOH treatment with acetic anhydride due to the improved intensity of OH groups and the formation of chemical bonding between C-O-C and RHP filler. In short, NaOH treatment followed by using acetic anhydride on HDPE/NBR/RHP composites improved the tensile properties and thermal properties which can be proven and supported by using morphology studies and FTIR analysis.