Polymer Matrix Composites Reinforcement with Nanoparticulate Rice Husk Ash

Abstract

Polymer matrix composites (PMC) provide improved mechanical properties when compared to unreinforced polymers. Consequently, they are widely used as structural materials for different engineering applications. Rice husk is an agricultural waste found in abundance that can be utilised as reinforcing material when incinerated. This paper investigates the effect of addition of small quantity of nanoparticulate rice husk ash (RHA) in plastic for strength enhancement. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Technique was used to determine of the chemical composition of the RHA. Micrographs of the RHA were produced using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and ImageJ software was used for characterisation of the particles. RHA nanoparticles having mean diameter of 21nm were used for the composite production. Composites test samples were produced by manual mixing with 2 wt%, 4 wt%, 6 wt%, 8 wt% and 10 wt% RHA reinforcement, in cast iron mould. The mixing ratio for the composite samples were 0-10 wt% added at 2 wt% interval, and 5:1 catalyst-accelerator mixing ratio. Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) was used as catalyst, and cobalt naphtholate as accelerator. The test samples were subjected to tensile strength tests and flexural strength tests. The results from the tests carried out showed maximum improvement of Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), Tensile Modulus (TM) and Modulus of Rupture (MOR) at 2 wt% RHA reinforcement when compared with the unreinforced polyester. A decrease in the value of the properties was observed with further increase in RHA composition in the PMC