Rice husk reinforced polypropylene composites: mechanical, morphological and thermal properties

Rice husk–Polypropylene (RH–PP) composites were prepared using four level of filler loadings (10, 20, 40 and 50%) incorporating maleic anhydride grafted Polypropylene (MAPP) and m-isopropenyl α–α-dimethylbenzyl-isocyanate grafted Polypropylene (m-TMI-g-PP) coupling agents. Mechanical properties of the composites indicated that m-TMI-g-PP coupling agent performed better than that of MAPP. Tensile and flexural properties of composites prepared with coupling agents were found to be superior to controlled samples. However, Impact strength of the composites decreased with increasing filler loadings in all the composites. Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectroscopy of the composites revealed effective coupling between rice husk and polypropylene. Scanning electron microscopy indicated improved adhesion between rice husk and Polypropylene in case of coupled composites. Thermal stability of pure PP was higher than that of rice husk and RH–PP composites. Use of coupling agent had no significant effect on thermal stability of the composites. © 2018, Indian Academy of Wood Science.