CHARACTERISTIC ANALYSIS OF PLASTIC WASTE AND RICE HUSK-BASED COMPOSITES WITH EPOXY RESIN AS THE MATRIX

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical properties of composite materials fabricated from recycled
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic and rice husk waste using epoxy resin as the matrix. The research
aims to evaluate the influence of varying PET, rice husk, and epoxy resin compositions on flexural strength,
impact resistance, density, and buoyancy. Composite specimens were produced through a powder mixing
and compression molding process with different weight ratios and curing times. Mechanical testing included
flexural tests (ASTM D790) and Charpy impact tests (ASTM E23), supported by density and buoyancy
measurements. The results show that higher resin content increased material density and flexural strength,
while an optimal PET–rice husk balance enhanced impact resistance. The best performance was achieved
with a composition of 5 g PET, 20 g rice husk, and 60 g epoxy, yielding an average flexural strength of 17.83
MPa and impact strength of 3.70 J/m². These findings demonstrate that recycled PET and rice husk can
serve as sustainable reinforcements for epoxy-based composites, offering a lightweight and eco-friendly
alternative for structural and household applications.