Durability of a Rice-Hull—Polyethylene Composite Property Change After Exposed to UV Weathering

Abstract

This study characterized the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) loss, color change, and surface morphological and chemical changes of ricehull—polyethylene (RH/PE) composite after UV weathering. Differences due to smooth, lined, and sawn surface quality were also focused. Samples with smooth surfaces generally exhibited greater and more rapid fading than lined surfaces. Compared to samples with sawn surfaces, samples with smooth surfaces showed much less morphological changes at later time. For samples with sawn surfaces, both MOR and MOE decreased significantly upon weathering. For samples with smooth surfaces, their flexible properties declined slightly during the whole weathering period. Based on FTIR analysis, it was found that both the cellulosic component and PE matrix degraded after weathering and oxidation might occur. This study proved that the smooth surface was more durable in mechanical properties than the other surface textures because of protection from the plastic matrix.

Keywords

polyethylene composite durability rice-hull.

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