Pengisian Sekam Padi dan Tanah Liat ke dalam Matriks Polietilena Berketumpatan Tinggi-Getah Asli-Getah Asli Cecair

The effects of filling rice husk and clay into high density polyethylene liquid natural rubber natural rubber (HDPE/LNR/NR), NR/HDPE and HDPE matrix on the mechanical and morphological properties of the blend were investigated. Blending of the mixture was done at 140°C and a mixing rate of 50 r.p.m. for 16 minutes. Preheating of the fillers was done for 4 minutes at 80°C before loading with the matrix to minimize the effect of moisture. Liquid natural rubber was used as a compatibilizer in some blends. The addition of rice husk (SP) and clay (TL) into the HDPE, NR/HDPE and NR/LNR/HDPE matrixes, caused the tensile and impact strength to decrease but the modulus and hardness to increase. The filler distribution in the composites was determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) which showed that the weak inter-phase interaction led to agglomeration in the composites. The viscosity and interaction between the phases in the blend will affect the movement and distribution of filler in the composites. Based on the results and the properties of both fillers, SP is more compatible with NR because of the potential interaction between the functional groups like –OH at the cellulose surface with the double bonds of NR as compared to the inert interaction between clay and NR. However, the physical nature of the TL surface which is less hydrophilic as compared to SP, caused TL particles to have better interaction and well dispersed in HDPE.