Publication: Rice straw composite
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Date
2009-05-01
Authors
Alias, Asliza
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Abstract
In this study, a new product was developed by using a combination of rice straw and expanded polystyrene wastes. Expanded polystyrene foam waste was dissolved in styrene monomer to produce expanded polystyrene solution. Expanded polystyrene solution was used as a binder in rice straw composite. The utilization of both wastes has developed a new effective recycling method. The mix proportion of expanded polystyrene binder to rice straw was varied. The composites were prepared by a hot press molding method, and tested for apparent density, water absorption, expansion in thickness, flexural properties and tensile properties. The apparent density of the composites increases with an increment of binder content. Water absorption and expansion in thickness tests revealed that the amount of water absorbed and the expansion in thickness increased as the content of rice straw in the composite increased. The flexural and tensile test showed that the strength increased as the binder content increased. The results demonstrated that the mechanical properties of the composites are much dependent on the strength of interfacial bonding between the binder and rice straw. The one with a good interfacial bonding has better performance in mechanical properties. The strength of the interfacial bonding is affected by the content of binder used.