The Influence of Crosslink Chemicals on the Mechanical Strength and Water Absorption of Rice Straw-Based Green Composites

The present work reports the influence of crosslink chemicals (vinyltrimethoxylsilane, dicumyl peroxide, and dibutyl dilaurate) on the mechanical strength and water absorption of the rice straw/high density polyethylene bio-composites. As revealed by the Fourier transform infrared spectra, the surface interaction between the fibers and polymer was improved through the use of vinyltrimethoxylsilane (coupling agent). By properly regulating the dicumyl peroxide (radical initiator) and dibutyl dilaurate (catalyst), the surface interaction was further enhanced, and thus the tensile and flexural strength. These observations were validated by the reduction in the water absorption of the bio-composites as well as the fracture surface examination.