Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Hybrid Rice Husk/Kenaf Reinforced Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)/High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Blends/Composites

Abstract

Polymer blends offer corrosion resistance, lightweight properties, and toughness, which are vital for fuel economy in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Rice husks and kenaf fiber enhance mechanical and thermal properties, offering cost-effective and eco-friendly reinforcement options. This study aims to incorporate natural fibers such as kenaf and rice husks into a blend of High-Density Polyethylene Blow (HDPEb) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) to fabricate a hybrid composite with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties suitable for automotive applications such as car bumpers. Compression moulding was used for the composite fabrication, while Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and mechanical and thermal properties of the hybrid composite were determined. SEM analysis elucidates the improved dispersion and interfacial adhesion between the rice husk-kenaf fiber (RK) particles and the polymer matrix. Notably, 30% RH/KENAF hybrid composite exhibits commendable mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 350.19 MPa, elongation at break of 9.92%, impact strength of 0.228 J/m², average hardness of 64.8 Hv, flexural strength of 70.43 MPa, flexural modulus of 2,838.86 MPa, and an initial decomposition temperature of 693.50 °C, with a final maximum rate of decomposition reaching 800 °C. The results of this work extend to diverse applications, particularly in the automotive industry, where enhanced materials are sought for applications such as replacement parts and car bumpers.