Dynamic mechanical analysis and dielectric studies of agro-waste rice husk/polypropylene composites with cenosphere

Effect of cenosphere addition, on agro-waste rice husk/polypropylene composites is studied. Rice husk reinforced polypropylene composites having 20% rice husk with and without cenosphere is developed. Treated and untreated cenospheres with different concentration were loaded with chopped rice husk in polypropylene. The dielectric behaviour of rice husk-filled polypropylene was studied by adding cenosphere (2, 4, 6 and 8 phr), respectively, in concentrations. From dynamic mechanical analysis, analysis is clear that the loss factor of composites decreased and the storage modulus improved in the presence of cenosphere in polypropylene/rice husk, which indicated much better interfacial adhesion between the polypropylene matrix and rice husk. Insulating materials are used in electrical power circuits to prevent leakage of current. This study investigates the possibility of using agro-waste rice husk, as electrical insulators. Accordingly, electrical insulative properties: dielectric constant, dissipation factor and ac conductivity σac of these waste materials were determined. In case of dielectric constant of filled polymers, interface interaction is the most important parameter which influences the dielectric behaviour of matrix and will depend on type of fillers, concentration of filler and the chemical bonding between filler and matrix.