Physical Properties Characterization of Polyvinyl Acetate Composite Reinforced with Jute Fibers Filled with Rice Husk and Sawdust

Abstract

Rice husk and sawdust are abundantly available as wastes which end up in landfills. These can be utilized to produce lightweight and high strength bio-composites reinforced with jute fiber to substitute wood-based particle board (PB) for furniture production. This study aimed at producing polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) composites reinforced with jute fibers and filled with a combination of rice husks and sawdust at a ratio of 1:1 while jute fiber content was varied between 5% and 30%. Physical and mechanical properties of raw materials were characterized to ascertain their quality. The constituents were mixed and molded at room temperature. The manufactured composites were characterized by their water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS), density, tensile, compression, and bending strength. The results show a considerable improvement in the mechanical properties of composite when jute fiber content increased. Water absorption and thickness swelling had an inversely proportional relationship with jute fiber content due to its hydrophilic properties. On the other hand, the mechanical properties had direct proportional relationship with PVAc concentration. But above 30% PVAc concentration, the properties of the composite did not show any significant increment because above this volume fraction of PVAc, the properties tend to depend more on PVAc.

Keywords

• particleboard
• jute fibers
• rice husk
• sawdust
• composite physical properties