Abstract:
The use of natural fibers to replace synthetic fibers as reinforcement in polymer composites has received
growing attention in the 21st Century. This is occasioned by global campaigns for utilization of eco-friendly materials as
substitute to the conventional non-biodegradable materials which adversely affect the environment. Academicians and
researchers have focused on value addition to agro-waste fibrous materials by utilizing them as reinforcements in
composites for low load structural applications such as ceiling boards, cardboards, partition boards, mirrors, and picture
frames. This study focused on fabrication and mechanical characterization of composite materials made of rice husk fibers
and unsaturated polyester resin matrix, with methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) as hardener. The fibers were chemically
treated with 4% NaOH then dried, milled and classified into three categories: small size (250 – 500 μm), medium size (500
– 1000 μm), and large size (1000 - 2000 μm), using standard laboratory sieves. For each size category, samples were
prepared by varying fiber weight fraction (%wt) in increasing steps of 5% from 0% (lowest) to 20% (highest). Hand layup
method was used to prepare the specimens, which were then sized in accordance with ASTM standards and subjected to
tensile and impact testing. Statistical results for ANOVA two factor without replication at 5% level of significance showed
that both fiber loading and fiber content affect mechanical behavior of the composite materials. Maximum tensile strength
of 25.14 MPa was recorded by the small size rice husk fibers at 15 %wt, while large size rice husk fibers gave minimum
tensile strength of 9.38 MPa at 5 %wt. Medium size rice husk fibers gave highest impact strength value of 7.75 J/mm2 at
15 %wt, while lowest impact strength value of 3.08 MPa was registered by the large size rice husks at 20 %wt. It can
therefore be deduced that composite materials made of rice husk fibers can be worthwhile alternatives to synthetic fiber
materials for both household and industrial applications.
