Abstract:
In this study, Composites derived from 60% natural rubber (NR), 40% high density polyethylene
(HDPE) and reinforced with variable compositions of rice husk (RH) powder were prepared using
an internal mixer. The degree of mechanical reinforcement of the thermoplastic natural rubber
(TPNR) matrix by rice husk (RH) powder was studied as a function of fiber surface modification
via alkali treatment and liquid epoxidized natural rubber (LENR) coating. The tensile strength of
the composite evaluated showed that pre-treatment of rice husk with 5% NaOH followed by
coating with 10% LENR solution produced the maximum interaction and strong adhesion between
fiber and matrix.
