Development of Sustainable Rice Husk Biocomposites: A Life Cycle Assessment Approach
摘要
Plastics are highly versatile materials, widely used across various sectors, with a market value of $570 billion in 2019. However, their widespread use has led to significant pollution, driving the search for sustainable alternatives. Natural fibres have emerged as a promising solution, increasingly used in biocomposites due to their remarkable mechanical properties, non-toxic nature, and biodegradability. Rice husk, which constitutes 20% of the total rice paddy, is a major agricultural by-product, with rice being the most widely produced crop globally. As rice consumption increases, so does the availability of rice husk, reinforcing the need for sustainable solutions that enhance its economic value. This study investigates the feasibility of rice husk-based biocomposites for automotive interior applications, using a decision matrix that evaluates both mechanical properties and environmental performance. The environmental assessment follows the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, following ISO 14040:44 standards. Five formulations were developed by compounding rice husk with polypropylene during the injection moulding process and were compared against a baseline ready-to-use compounded formulation containing 90% polypropylene and 10% talc filler. The rice husk and polypropylene incorporation ratios were varied among the formulations. The results indicate that recycling is the most environmentally favourable end-of-life option, and a higher rice husk content is associated with lower environmental impacts.