Effect of water absorption,freezing and thawing,and photo‐aging on flexural properties of extruded HDPE/rice husk composites

Durability of lingo‐cellulosic fiber composites under environmental conditions such as moisture, freezing and thawing, and UV exposure needs to be determined prior to the use of these composite materials in outdoor applications. Dimensional stability and changes in the flexural strength and stiffness of extruded rice husk filled high‐density polyethylene composites with and without processing additives such as compatibilizers and processing aid were examined after exposing the composites to water, conditions of freeze–thaw cycles, and UV light. Water absorption results indicated a decrease in the rate of penetration of water in the composites in the presence of compatibilizers. The reduction in strength and stiffness after water absorption was lower for composites with compatibilizers than for the composites without any additives. Freezing and thawing experiments also showed the dimensional changes and degradation of strength and stiffness were less in composites with compatibilizers. Presence of processing aid in the composite showed a similar or enhanced water absorption and loss of mechanical properties, compared with those of the composite without processing additives. Although the composites showed a discoloration of the surface after the UV exposure time (745 h) studied, it was found that within this period of UV exposure the flexural strength and stiffness of the composites did not show significant change. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 3619–3625, 2006