Valorization of Waste Wood Flour and Rice Husk in Poly(Lactic Acid)-Based Hybrid Biocomposites

Abstract This study explores the possibility of developing a new class hybrid particulate-filled biocomposites using wood flour and rice husk wastes as environmentally friendly additives to poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix material. Samples were prepared with fillers different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 10 wt %), while ratio was fixed at 1:1 in all cases. The preparation performed through extrusion twin-screw extruder. Subsequently, they formed into specimens by injection molding. Mechanical, thermal, thermomechanical, morphological properties examined. addition natural waste particles resulted remarkable improvement both tensile flexural modulus; however cost impact strength strength. Meanwhile, stress conventional strain values barely affected presence husk. SEM images confirmed that there is limited interfacial adhesion between components, which supports results obtained during mechanical tests. Both differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) dynamic analysis indicated glass transition temperature PLA not incorporation filler particles; however, crystalline structure gradually altered increasing loading according DSC. Additionally, observed acting nucleating agents, thereby overall crystallinity PLA.