Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Rice Husk (RH)/Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Composites under Various Loading Rates

In this study, the static and dynamic properties of LLDPE/RH composites, with different filler contents of 5 wt% RH, 15 wt% RH,15 wt% RH, 20 wt% RH and, 30 wt% RH were studied at different levels of strain rates (0.001/s, 0.01/s, 0.1/s, 650/s, 900/s and 1100/s) using a conventional Universal Testing Machine and Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar apparatus, respectively. Results show that the strength, stiffness and yield behavior of LLDPE/RH composites were strongly affected by both filler content and strain rate loadings. Apart from that, the rate of sensitivity of LLDPE/RH shows sgreat dependency towards applied strain rate, where it was increased with increasing strain rate. Unfortunately, the thermal activation values show contrary trend. Besides, at dynamic loading, the fracture surface analysis of the composites showed that all specimens experienced massive plastic deformation.