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The south and center-west of Brazil are agribusiness and rice production centers. Hence, after the rice processing, approximately 20% of the rice husk is residue that is discarded by the… Click to show full abstract
The south and center-west of Brazil are agribusiness and rice production centers. Hence, after the rice processing, approximately 20% of the rice husk is residue that is discarded by the industry. In this sense, the aim of this research is to evaluate the influence of hot water treatment in the rice husk (RH) and then use it as reinforcement in polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) matrix. PHB/RH composites with ratio of 90/10 and 80/20 were obtained by melt blending. Two groups of fibers were used, in nature rice hull (RHi) and treated (RHt). The FTIR results of the effluent showed the presence of C=O, C=C, CO, CH, OH groups and silicon. Additionally, indicating a low molecular weight compounds on the natural fiber that are soluble in water. The matrix and composites were characterized by their physical, chemical, mechanical and morphological properties. Tensile and impact tests results showed that all the composites had better performance in terms of mechanical properties related to the unreinforced matrix. There was good interfacial adhesion between fiber and matrix for all the composites, which was verified by SEM images, especially for reinforced composites with untreated rice husk.