TAF PUBLISHING

This paper presents the development of hybrid composites' mechanical properties. In the experiments carried out, Polypropylene (PP), Rice Husk (RH), and short E-Glass (EG) fibers are prepared through the process of melt-mixing technique at 1750 C for 8 minutes and 50rpm rotor speed using an internal mixer (Haake Rheomixer Machine). The hybrid composites made are prepared in various ratios of fiber weight fractions varying up to 60% where the treatment of rice husk using 2% concentration of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) to improve the interaction and adhesion between the nonpolar matrix and the polar lignocellulosic fibers. The specimens are analyzed by different techniques, such as tensile test, impact test, hardness test, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The presence of NaOH in rice husk for 15% indicates higher tensile strength and impact strength, while the tensile modulus and hardness strength are, however, reduced. The morphology results support the tensile properties that indicated the interaction between the PP and fibers with NaOH. These results recommend that rice husk and E-Glass fibers are a viable alternative to hybrid-based reinforcing fibers as long as the right processing conditions are applied and used in the applications.