Características de compósitos manufaturados com polietileno de alta densidade (PEAD) e diferentes proporções de casca de arroz e partículas de madeira

Abstract

The objective of this work was to analyse the viability of utilization of rice husks and wood particles in the manufacturing of composites, having as bonding agent HDPE. The composites were made with rice husks and Eucalyptus grandis wood particles, pure or mixed, in proportions of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of ovendry weight. The HDPE with density of 0,96 g/cm³ was used as matrix in the manufacturing in three proportions: 60, 75, and 90%. There were evaluated the bending properties (tension at proportional limit, deformation at proportional limit, tension at 2,5 cm of deformation and modulus of elasticity), internal bond, water absorption and thickness swelling after 24 hours of water soaking and after 15 soaking cycles. The values of bending properties were influenced by specific gravity of the composite. In the case of internal bond, the values were within the limits established by commercial standards, being the HDPE proportion the parameter of higher correlation with this property. Rice husk caused lower thickness swelling and, independently of the type of raw material utilised, the values decreased with the increase of HDPE. Combinations with larger percentages of HDPE presented values minimal or, in some cases, null of water absorption. For the water absorption and thickness swelling after 15 cycles the behaviour was similar to the 24 hour period. The results allowed to conclude that the composites made with HDPE, rice husks and wood particles pure or mixed present good quality, evidencing the adequacy of these type of raw material in the manufacturing of the composite.