Alkali Treated Rice Straw Powdered Filled Polylactic Acid Composites: Mechanical and Tribological Characterization

In this investigation, treated rice straw powder (RSP) of size 150–75 µm varying from 0 to 10 wt% was reinforced into PLA matrix to prepare bio-composites by pelletizing in single screw extruder followed by injection molding technique. The prepared RSP composites were assessed for tensile strength and tribological properties using universal testing machine and pin-on-disc test setup respectively. Tribo-testing was performed as per ASTM G99 test standards at 250, 500 and 750 rpm under 5 N and 10 N of normal loads. Results showed the reduction in tensile strength and tensile modulus with the increase in RSP content. The effect of RSP increment showed insignificant effect on the tribo-performance whereas normal load and disc speed influenced the most.