Physical, chemical composition and morphological analysis of rice husk reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract Rice husk (by-product of rice production) was used as reinforcement for polymer based composites. Rice husk was chemically treated with 5% sodium hydroxide(NaOH) to improve the adhesion between the fibre and polymer matrix. The NaOH treatment facilitates the reaction of Na and OH ions with pectin, lignin, cellulose, and other surface constituents, leading to their elimination and rendering the surface more abrasive. Alkali treated and untreated fibre reinforced composites with varying rice husk fibre concentrations (10–50 wt%) were fabricated using the hand lay-up technique. Chemical composition of rice husk was determined. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were conducted to assess surface morphology and the functional groups present in the composites. The results indicate that the alkali-treated rice husk composite exhibits enhanced bonding between the fibre and matrix. XRD graphs has shown that treatment has also improved the crystallinity of rice husk.