Effect of fungicide additives on fungal resistance of rice – husk filled polyolefine composites

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the fungal resistance of composite materials based on rice -husk filled and polyolefine matrix (including polyethylene and polypropylene). Zinc borate additive is used to improve the fungal resistance of the composites. The specimens without and with zinc borate additive are exposed to white-rot fungus (Phanerochaete chrysosporium) and brown-rot fungus (Trichoderma spp.), then their changes of mechanical and physical properties are investigated and compared to those of the woods (Acacia Auriculiformis wood and Nyatoh wood). The investigation has shown that zinc borate additive has significantly improved fungal resistance of the composites. The optimal content of fungicide additive is determined to be 2 wt.%. Fungal resistance of the composite materials based on rice husk and polyolefine matrices is better than that of Acacia Auriculiformis wood and Nyatoh wood.