Rice husk biowaste derived microcrystalline cellulose reinforced sustainable green composites: A comprehensive characterization for lightweight applications

This study addresses the issue of waste generation within the food industry, focusing on the conversion of rice husk waste into value-added products. The investigation involves a comprehensive characterization of microcrystalline cellulose extracted from the rice husk and reinforcing them in bio-epoxy resin to determine its feasibility in producing ecofriendly products. The dried rice husk waste was made to undergo a series of treatments, including alkali, acid hydrolysis, and bleaching for extracting high purity microcrystalline cellulose. Physio-chemical, morphological, thermal, and spectroscopy analyses were performed on rice husk microcrystalline cellulose (RHMCC), revealing a high cellulose content (94.39 %), favourable crystallinity (77.8 %), low density (1.571 g/cm3), and substantial thermal stability (299.14 degrees C). Additionally, the surface roughness of rice husk microcrystalline cellulose supports its suitability as a bio-filler material in the production of environmentally friendly composites. The rice husk microcrystalline cellulose was added to bio-epoxy polymer at different weight percentages (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 %), and mechanical and spectroscopy characteristics were evaluated using ASTM standards. Fractographical morphology was also examined in the fractured sample to disclose cellulose bonding behaviour, void forms, filler agglomeration, and fracture behaviour. This research contributes in reducing waste in food industry and promoting sustainable ecofriendly products to the society.