Home Technology Investigation of tribological behavior of rice husk reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) biocomposite
Article
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Investigation of tribological behavior of rice husk reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) biocomposite

  • Ferit Ficici

    Dr. Ferit Ficici was born in 1978. He worked as a specialist at Gebze Institute of Technology in 2005. He acquired MSc degree in 2006 and Ph.D degree in 2012 at Sakarya University. He has been working as a Research Engineer at Global ARGE company since 2020. His areas of expertise are machinability tests, tribology, composites, computer aided design, computer aided manufacturing.

    ORCID logo EMAIL logo
    and Alaattin Metin Kaya

    Dr. Alaattin Metin Kaya was born in 1978 and obtained his PhD in 2011. Dr. Kaya, who started working as an assistant professor in 2011, is currently working as an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Bursa Uludağ University, TURKEY. His main research interests are thermodynamics and optimization.

    ORCID logo
Published/Copyright: November 14, 2025
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill

Abstract

In this study, rice husk-reinforced HDPE composites were produced to provide sustainable and economical solutions. For this purpose, HDPE composites with RH ratios of 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % by volume were produced using the injection moulding method. Density, hardness, tensile, bending strength, friction coefficient, and wear values of the produced bio-composite materials were measured. According to the results from the mechanical tests, the lowest density, hardness, tensile, and bending strength values were recorded in the 5 vol % RH + HDPE composite material, while the highest values were observed in the 15 vol % RH + HDPE composite material. Minimum tensile and bending strength values were 27.8 and 31.22 MPa, and maximum tensile and bending strength values were 28,5 and 31,35 MPa. As a result of friction and wear tests, the minimum coefficient of friction and weight loss were found in the 15 vol % RH + HDPE composite material, and the highest values were noted in the 5 vol % RH + HDPE composite material. The minimum coefficient of friction was measured as 00,957 µ and the corresponding weight loss was 00,008 g. The maximum coefficient of friction was 06,485 µ, with a weight loss of 00,022 g.


Corresponding author: Ferit Ficici, Global ARGE, 41400, Kocaeli, Türkiye, E-mail:

About the authors

Ferit Ficici

Dr. Ferit Ficici was born in 1978. He worked as a specialist at Gebze Institute of Technology in 2005. He acquired MSc degree in 2006 and Ph.D degree in 2012 at Sakarya University. He has been working as a Research Engineer at Global ARGE company since 2020. His areas of expertise are machinability tests, tribology, composites, computer aided design, computer aided manufacturing.

Alaattin Metin Kaya

Dr. Alaattin Metin Kaya was born in 1978 and obtained his PhD in 2011. Dr. Kaya, who started working as an assistant professor in 2011, is currently working as an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Bursa Uludağ University, TURKEY. His main research interests are thermodynamics and optimization.

  1. Research ethics: Not applicable.

  2. Informed consent: Not applicable.

  3. Author contributions: All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

  4. Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.

  5. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding this article.

  6. Research funding: This research received no external funding.

  7. Data availability: Not applicable.

References

[1] E. García et al.., “Mechanical, dynamic and tribological characterization of HDPE/peanut shell composites,” Polym. Test., vol. 98, 2021, Art. no. 107075. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2021.107075.Search in Google Scholar

[2] N. C. Paxton et al.., “Additive manufacturing enables personalised porous high-density polyethylene surgical implant manufacturing with improved tissue and vascular ingrowth,” Appl. Mater. Today, vol. 22, p. 100965, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmt.2021.100965.Search in Google Scholar

[3] J. Zhang, Y. Li, D. Xing, Q. Wang, H. Wang, and A. Koubaa, “Reinforcement of continuous fibers for extruded wood-flour/HDPE composites: effects of fiber type and amount,” Constr. Build. Mater., vol. 228, p. 116718, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.116718.Search in Google Scholar

[4] E. Roumeli et al.., “Effect of maleic anhydride on the mechanical and thermal properties of hemp/high-density polyethylene green composites,” J. Therm. Anal. Calorim., vol. 121, no. 1, pp. 93–105, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-015-4596-y.Search in Google Scholar

[5] H. Yao, X. Zhong, and C. He, “Performance analysis of plant shells/PVC composites under corrosion and aging conditions,” J. Renew. Mater., vol. 12, no. 5, pp. 993–1006, 2024. https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2024.047758.Search in Google Scholar

[6] A. Soni et al.., “An overview of recent trends and future prospects of sustainable natural fiber-reinforced polymeric composites for tribological applications,” Ind. Crops Prod., vol. 222, p. 119501, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.119501.Search in Google Scholar

[7] A. R. Bhat, R. Kumar, and P. K. S. Mural, “Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites: a comprehensive review of tribo-mechanical properties,” Tribol. Int., vol. 189, p. 108978, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2023.108978.Search in Google Scholar

[8] A. Soni, P. K. Das, M. Yusuf, and S. Ridha, “Tribological behavior of particulates reinforced sustainable composites: effect of composition, load, and sliding speed,” Sustain. Chem. Pharm., vol. 29, p. 100748, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scp.2022.100748.Search in Google Scholar

[9] S. Charoenvai, “Durian peels fiber and recycled HDPE composites obtained by extrusion,” Energy Proc., vol. 56, pp. 539–546, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2014.07.190.Search in Google Scholar

[10] L. Palmeira Belotti, H. Vadivel, and N. Emami, “Tribological performance of hygrothermally aged UHMWPE hybrid composites,” Tribol. Int., vol. 138, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2019.05.034.Search in Google Scholar

[11] J. Vercher, V. Fombuena, A. Diaz, and M. Soriano, “Influence of fibre and matrix characteristics on properties and durability of wood–plastic composites in outdoor applications,” J. Thermoplast. Compos. Mater., vol. 33, no. 4, pp. 477–500, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1177/0892705718807956.Search in Google Scholar

[12] Y. Zhou, M. Fan, and L. Chen, “Interface and bonding mechanisms of plant fibre composites: an overview,” Compos. Part B Eng., vol. 101, pp. 31–45, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2016.06.055.Search in Google Scholar

[13] H. Younesi-Kordkheili and A. Pizzi, “Ionic liquid- modified lignin as a bio – coupling agent for natural fiber- recycled polypropylene composites,” Compos. Part B Eng., vol. 181, p. 107587, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.107587.Search in Google Scholar

[14] H. G. B. Premalal, H. Ismail, and A. Baharin, “Comparison of the mechanical properties of rice husk powder filled polypropylene composites with talc filled polypropylene composites,” Polym. Test., vol. 21, no. 7, pp. 833–839, 2002. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0142-9418(02)00018-1.Search in Google Scholar

[15] R. Arjmandi, A. Hassan, K. Majeed, and Z. Zakaria, “Rice husk filled polymer composites,” Int. J. Polym. Sci., vol. 2015, no. Oct, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/501471.Search in Google Scholar

[16] M. Ahmad, A. Rahmat, and A. Hassan, “Mechanical properties of unplasticised PVC (PVC-U) containing rice husk and an impact modifier,” Polym. Polym. Compos., vol. 18, pp. 527–536, 2010, https://doi.org/10.1177/096739111001800908.Search in Google Scholar

[17] N. Bukit, K. S. Sinulingga, A. H. S. S. Hakim, M. S. Sirait, and B. F. B. Bukit, “Mechanical and thermal properties of HDPE thermoplastic with oil palm boiler ash nano filler,” J. Ecol. Eng., vol. 24, no. 9, pp. 355–363, 2023, https://doi.org/10.12911/22998993/169470.Search in Google Scholar

[18] N. Chand, M. Fahim, P. Sharma, and M. N. Bapat, “Influence of foaming agent on wear and mechanical properties of surface modified rice husk filled polyvinylchloride,” Wear, vols. 278–279, pp. 83–86, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wear.2012.01.002.Search in Google Scholar

[19] H. Fouad and R. Elleithy, “High density polyethylene/graphite nano-composites for total hip joint replacements: processing and in vitro characterization,” J. Mech. Behav. Biomed. Mater., vol. 4, no. 7, pp. 1376–1383, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2011.05.008.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[20] M. S. Jamil, I. Ahmad, and I. Abdullah, “Effects of rice husk filler on the mechanical and thermal properties of liquid natural rubber compatibilized high-density polyethylene/natural rubber blends,” J. Polym. Res., vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 315–321, 2006, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-005-9040-8.Search in Google Scholar

[21] W. Lu, W. Yu, B. Zhang, X. Dou, X. Han, and H. Cai, “Kevlar fibers reinforced straw wastes-polyethylene composites: combining toughness, strength and self-extinguishing capabilities,” Compos. Part B Eng., vol. 223, p. 109117, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2021.109117.Search in Google Scholar

[22] T. Narayanan and J. Abd Razak, “Process parameter interaction study for mechanical strength of r-HDPE filled calcium carbonate composites,” Eng. Res. Express, vol. 6, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1088/2631-8695/ad7e7b.Search in Google Scholar

[23] G. Madhu, H. Bhunia, P. K. Bajpai, and V. Chaudhary, “Mechanical and morphological properties of high density polyethylene and polylactide blends,” J. Polym. Eng., vol. 34, no. 9, pp. 813–821, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1515/polyeng-2013-0174.Search in Google Scholar

[24] A. S. Huseynova, R. M. Rzayev, and F. V. Hajiyeva, “Investigation on the structure and thermal properties of HDPE/Ta2O5-based nanocomposites,” J. Elastomers Plast., vol. 56, no. 8, pp. 929–941, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1177/00952443241289560.Search in Google Scholar

[25] Q. Zhang, W. Yi, Z. Li, L. Wang, and H. Cai, “Mechanical properties of rice husk biochar reinforced high density polyethylene composites,” Polymers, vol. 10, no. 3, 2018, https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10030286.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[26] Q. Zhang, Y. Li, H. Cai, X. Lin, W. Yi, and J. Zhang, “Properties comparison of high density polyethylene composites filled with three kinds of shell fibers,” Results Phys, vol. 12, pp. 1542–1546, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinp.2018.09.054.Search in Google Scholar

[27] M. A. Suhot, M. Z. Hassan, S. A. Aziz, and M. Y. Md Daud, “Recent progress of rice husk reinforced polymer composites: a review,” Polymers, vol. 13, no. 15, 2021, https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13152391.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[28] E. Nicolao, P. Leiva, M. Chalapud, R. Ruseckaite, E. Ciannamea, and P. Stefani, “Flexural and tensile properties of biobased rice husk-jute-soybean protein particleboard,” J. Build. Eng., vol. 30, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101261.Search in Google Scholar

[29] N. Jain, K. S. Somvanshi, P. C. Gope, and V. K. Singh, “Mechanical characterization and machining performance evaluation of rice husk/epoxy an agricultural waste based composite material,” Mater. Test., vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 29–38, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1515/jmbm-2019-0005.Search in Google Scholar

[30] A. B. Karakullukcu, E. Taban, and O. O. Ojo, “Biocompatibility of biomaterials and test methods: a review,” Mater. Test., vol. 65, no. 4, pp. 545–559, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1515/mt-2022-0195.Search in Google Scholar

[31] D. Veeman, P. M. B. Ram, M. Ravichandran, and J. K. Katiyar, “Tribological, mechanical, and metallurgical performance of natural fiber-reinforced composites: a comprehensive review,” Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng. Part J J. Eng. Tribol., vol. 238, no. 3, pp. 243–259, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1177/13506501231211625.Search in Google Scholar

[32] K. Vinoth Kumar, R. Pavendhan, P. Senthamaraikannan, T. Sonar, and A. Osipov, “Effect of bio-waste conch filler addition on mechanical performance of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy polymer composite,” Mater. Test., vol. 66, no. 12, pp. 1990–1998, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1515/mt-2024-0177.Search in Google Scholar

[33] S. Krishnakumar, V. Mohanavel, R. Venkatesh, and K. Balasubramanian, “Enhancement of tribology behaviour by the addition of different fiber length of pineapple fiber reinforced polyester composite,” J. Mech. Sci. Technol., vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 201–206, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-023-1217-8.Search in Google Scholar

[34] K. Rasu and A. Veerabathiran, “Tribological behaviour of industrial waste based agave sisalana/glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites for marine applications,” Mater. Test., vol. 65, no. 4, pp. 593–602, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1515/mt-2022-0431.Search in Google Scholar

[35] T. A. Negawo, Y. Polat, and A. Kilic, “Effect of compatibilizer and fiber loading on ensete fiber-reinforced HDPE green composites: physical, mechanical, and morphological properties,” Compos. Sci. Technol., vol. 213, p. 108937, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2021.108937.Search in Google Scholar

[36] G. S. Balan, V. S. Kumar, S. Rajaram, and M. Ravichandran, “Investigation on water absorption and wear characteristics of waste plastics and seashell powder reinforced polymer composite,” J. Tribol., vol. 27, pp. 57–70, 2020.Search in Google Scholar

[37] J. F. Louvier-Hernández et al.., “Tribo-mechanical behavior of HDPE/natural fibers filler composite materials,” MRS Adv, vol. 3, no. 63, pp. 3775–3781, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1557/adv.2018.644.Search in Google Scholar

[38] F. Ficici, I. Ozdemir, T. Grund, and T. Lampke, “Investigation of tribological behavior of PTFE composites reinforced with bronze particles by taguchi method,” J. Compos. Sci., vol. 8, no. 10, 2024, https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8100398.Search in Google Scholar

[39] F. Kahraman, U. Esme, M. K. Kulekci, and S. Ocalir, “Abrasive wear and frictional behavior of polyoxymethylen,” Mater. Test., vol. 59, no. 10, pp. 881–884, 2017, https://doi.org/10.3139/120.111083.Search in Google Scholar

[40] M. Sakthivel, K. Srinivasan, and A. G. G. Kumar, “Wear behavior of Sansevieria cylindrica and E-glass reinforced polyester composites,” Mater. Test., vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 239–242, 2019, https://doi.org/10.3139/120.111310.Search in Google Scholar

[41] M. Korku and E. Feyzullahoğlu, “Wear behaviour of glass fiber reinforced polyester composites under dry friction and fluid film lubrication,” Mater. Test., vol. 66, no. 5, pp. 749–759, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1515/mt-2023-0420.Search in Google Scholar

[42] B. Siddharthan and A. Kumaravel, “Wear behaviour of titanium diboride and zirconium carbide reinforced LM13 hybrid composite for automotive applications,” Mater. Test., vol. 66, no. 11, pp. 1829–1842, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1515/mt-2024-0143.Search in Google Scholar

[43] F. Ficici and A. M. Kaya, “Friction and wear properties of uhmwpe and peek polymers,” Mater. Test., vol. 67, no. 8, pp. 1375–1381, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1515/mt-2024-0512.Search in Google Scholar

[44] A. Nabhan, G. Sherif, R. Abouzeid, and M. Taha, “Mechanical and tribological performance of HDPE matrix reinforced by hybrid Gr/TiO2 NPs for hip joint replacement,” J. Funct. Biomater., vol. 14, no. 3, 2023, https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14030140.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[45] K. Güngör, I. Ozsert, A. Demirer, F. Ficici, and A. Demir, “Experimental optimization of wear parameters of sintered bronze based materials,” Indian J. Eng. Mater. Sci., vol. 22, pp. 288–296, 2015.Search in Google Scholar

[46] Ö. Savaş, F. Ficici, R. Kayikci, and S. Koksal, “Investigation of mechanical and dry sliding wear behaviours of AlB 2/PE polymer matrix composites,” Acta Phys. Pol. A, vol. 125, pp. 388–390, 2014, https://doi.org/10.12693/APhysPolA.125.388.Search in Google Scholar

Published Online: 2025-11-14
Published in Print: 2025-12-17

© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

Downloaded on 15.12.2025 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/mt-2025-0222/pdf?licenseType=restricted
Scroll to top button