The Effect of Dynamic Vulcanization on Properties of Rice Husk Powder Filled PolystyreneStyrene Buta

The effect of dynamic cross-linking on processability, mechanical properties, water absorption, aging process and morphology of rice husk powder (RHP)/polystyrene (PS) / styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) blends were studied. The blends were prepared using a Brabender plasticoder at 170°C and rotor speed of 50 rpm. Dynamic vulcanization resulted in an increased in the tensile strength, impact strength and a decrease in percentage of elongation-at-break of RHP/PS/SBR composites. It was also found that dynamic cross-linking gives composites with better resistance to aging process and swelling in water through better dispersion of matrices and filler/matrix adhesion.