Electron-beam-irradiated rice husk powder as reinforcing filler in natural rubber/high-density polyethylene (NR/HDPE) composites

Abstract The use of rice husk (RH) powder as a reinforcing filler in blends of natural rubber and high-density polyethylene (NR/HDPE) was studied via surface modification of the particle surface. The RH powder was pre-washed with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) prior to coating with liquid natural rubber (LNR) and reinforced by electron beam (EB) irradiation. The effects of the radiation dosage on the LNR-coated rice husk (RHr) as a reinforcing agent in the composite were evaluated from the mechanical and thermal properties, as well as from the blend homogeneity. The mechanical properties enhanced with the dosage of radiation on the RHr, and reached an optimum dose in the range 20–30 kGy. The composites filled with radiated RHr showed the highest storage modulus ( E ′) and low tangent delta (tan  δ ) a radiation dosage of 30 kGy. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph of the fractural tensile surface showed that an effective RHr particle matrix interaction occurred in the RH powder at a radiation dosage of 20 kGy. Improved RH filler–matrix interfacial bond strength and adhesion to the matrix were achieved by coating the RH powder and curing the rubber coat by electron beam irradiation.