Pandanus Tectorius Fiber/ Rice Husk Powder as Green Reinforcement for Lightweight Composites: Evaluation of Impact Strength Properties and Thermal Stability

Abstract

Agricultural wastes such as Pandanus tectorius fiber (DPs) and rice husk powder (RHs) are cost-effective, low-density, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly materials. This study investigates the impact strength and thermal properties of polyester composites with varying DPs/RHs ratios. DPs treated with 20% NaOH were combined in 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30% (vol.), while RHs were varied from 5% to 10% (vol.). The results showed that increasing fiber content improved the composite's impact strength and thermal stability. The highest impact strength was achieved by sample G30/10 (30% DPs: 10% RHs) at 55.8 ± 1.89 KJ/mm², while the lowest was X10/5 (10% DPs: 5% RHs) at 22.23 ± 3.4 KJ/mm². Sample X30/5 (30% DPs: 5% RHs) exhibited the best thermal stability with only 4.47% weight loss, whereas sample G15/10 (15% DPs: 10% RHs) experienced 67% weight loss. SEM analysis revealed fiber-matrix interactions influencing impact properties. These findings suggest that DPs/RHs composites could be applied in lightweight, green thermal insulation solutions, and automotive components, promoting sustainable waste utilization.