Comparison of rice husk-filled polyethylene composite and natural wood under weathering effects

Abstract

The weathering performance of rice husk-filled high-density polyethylene (RHPE) and natural wood was investigated in this study. The injection molded RHPE, in column end-cap (CECap) shapes, was exposed to both natural and accelerated weathering attacks. The durability of RHPE was compared to Kempas wood (Koompassia malaccensis) and neat polyethylene. Wood underwent the greatest losses in properties among the specimens. Four months of outdoor weathering turned the color of RHPE CECap into silvery grey. When the exposure time increased, the color of RHPE composite faded faster than neat polyethylene. The wood surface darkened and RHPE surface flaked off after being exposed to accelerated weathering conditions. Prolonged weathering exposure caused loss of impact strength of the RHPE composites. In general, RHPE is more resistible to weathering attacks as compared to Kempas wood.