Investigation of tribological behavior of rice husk reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) biocomposite

Abstract In this study, rice husk-reinforced HDPE composites were produced to provide sustainable and economical solutions. For this purpose, HDPE composites with RH ratios of 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % by volume were produced using the injection moulding method. Density, hardness, tensile, bending strength, friction coefficient, and wear values of the produced bio-composite materials were measured. According to the results from the mechanical tests, the lowest density, hardness, tensile, and bending strength values were recorded in the 5 vol % RH + HDPE composite material, while the highest values were observed in the 15 vol % RH + HDPE composite material. Minimum tensile and bending strength values were 27.8 and 31.22 MPa, and maximum tensile and bending strength values were 28,5 and 31,35 MPa. As a result of friction and wear tests, the minimum coefficient of friction and weight loss were found in the 15 vol % RH + HDPE composite material, and the highest values were noted in the 5 vol % RH + HDPE composite material. The minimum coefficient of friction was measured as 00,957 µ and the corresponding weight loss was 00,008 g. The maximum coefficient of friction was 06,485 µ, with a weight loss of 00,022 g.