Development of rice husks–plastics composites for building materials

In this paper, a new effective recycling method for rice husks and waste expanded polystyrene is developed by using a combination of both wastes. A styrene solution of waste expanded polystyrene is used as a binder for rice husks–plastics composites. The composites are prepared with various mix proportions by a hot press molding method, and tested for apparent density, water absorption, expansion in thickness, and dry and wet flexural strengths. From the test results, the apparent density of the composites is increased with increasing binder content and filler–binder ratio. Their flexural strength and wet flexural strengths reach maximums at a binder content of 30.0% and a filler–binder ratio of 1.0. Their water absorption and expansion in thickness are decreased with increasing binder content and filler–binder ratio. Since the composites have a high flexural strength and water resistance, their uses as building materials are expected.