OPTIMIZING HARDNESS IN POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHLATE/RICE HUSKCOMPOSITE VIA RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a versatile thermoplastic with widespread applications, butits inherent softness limits certain uses where hardness is critical. Incorporating natural fillerslike rice husk into PET matrices presents an opportunity to enhance hardness while promotingsustainability. This study employs response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the hardnessof PET/rice husk composites. Key parameters such as rice husk loading, size and PET matrixcomposition are systematically varied and analyzed to elucidate their effects on compositehardness. The RSM technique makes it possible to investigate intricate connections betweenhardness and input variables, which makes it easier to choose the ideal processing parameters.To comprehend the individual and combined effects of variables on composite hardness, experimental findings are studied. The project intends to provide insights into the formulation ofPET/rice husk composites with higher hardness 52.8 with 80% matrix and 425particle size. Thecomposite with highest filler content 50% shows the highest water absorption. Also thecomposite shows a good chemicals resistivity. Hence expanding their applicability inapplications where mechanical robustness is crucial.Keywords: Polymer, Composite, Optimisation ,Hardness
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