Resumen

GUILBERT-GARCIA, E. et al. Modification of rice husk to improve the interface in isotactic polypropylene composites. Lat. Am. appl. res. [online]. 2012, vol.42, n.1, pp. 83-87. ISSN 1851-8796.

The effect of surface treatment on the properties of rice husk/polypropylene composites was investigated. Rice husk with particle sizes of 20, 30, 40 and 60 mesh was modified by alkaline treatment and coupling of silanes with and without previous alkaline treatment. The rice husk was characterized by FTIR, TGA, SEM and a qualitative hydrophilicity test by using a water-toluene system. The TGA results and the qualitative hydrophilicity test indicated that silanized rice husk decreased their hydrophilic character and increased their thermal stability. SEM images showed a regular geometry in the 60 mesh husk which consisted of short fibers. Test specimens were obtained according to ASTM D-1708 standard, by molding injection process using a ratio of 30 % rice husk/70 % polypropylene (PP) based on weight. A quantitative improvement in tensile strength was observed in composites filled with alkali treated rice husk and silanized rice husk in comparison with composites filled with untreated rice husk.

Palabras llave : Composites; Alkali Treatment; Silane; Mechanical Properties; Rice Husk.