CHARACTERIZATION OF RISE HUSK AS REINFORCEMENT IN COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Abstract

Rice husk (RH) as a silica source was studied, resulting from the husk removed in the lab (RHA) and that collected from commercial rice milling area (RHB). Rice husk consists of inorganic, combustible matter in the rice that has been fused into an amorphous structure. A composting treatment was employed in an effort to improve the processability of rice husks. Changes in the chemical composition and physical structurewere analysed. Microscopic techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to observe the surface and internal structure of the RHA and RHB. The results among other things revealed that RHA and RHB both did not contain SiO₂, as they are not in ash form. Microscopic examination showed that it amorphous and has a porous cellular structure and consists of irregular-shaped particles. However, scanning electron microscopy images showed that the epidermis became rugged and lumpy because the composition of rice husks (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin) was partially decomposed due to controlled burning conditions, an effect confirmed by the chemical composition. All results indicated that the rice husk prepared and treated in the lab has better physical and chemical properties that randomly selected at the rice processing area, which are beneficial for its utilization in engineering application.