Agro Based Material (Rice Husk Powder and Carbon Nanotubes) as Reinforcement in the Development of a New Polymer Bio-composite

Abstract

Attempts to remedy the problem of cost since most agro wastes are relatively available at low cost, these agro based materials have successfully found significant application in improving the performance of polymeric materials, In this research, a PP with rice husk and carbon nanotubes as composite material with useful application in construction and structural design were been developed. Alkali treatment is significant in enhancing the mechanical properties of the fiber through the removal amorphous portion, increases the crystallinity and strength of the natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, tensile test results shows that the ultimate tensile strength at 5% for rice husk, as shown in the results, a decline in tensile and flexural strength from 5% filled composite were attributed to agglomeration as filler concentration increased. Hence the better the dispersion of the filler in the macromolecular chains of the matrix, the better enhanced the mechanical property will be.