Retno Wulandari, Dwi Novriadi, Ade Mundari Wijaya, Muhammad Yunus, Reza Pahlevi Rudianto, Annisa Rifathin, Dewi Kusuma Arti, Fitria Ika Aryanti, Maharani Kusumaningrum, Harianingsih Harianingsih
Rice straw waste holds considerable potential as a bio-reinforcement material in polymer composites; however, effective utilization requires surface modification to enhance fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion. This study investigates environmentally friendly surface modification methods, including sodium carbonate treatment with ultrasound (SNCO5%), plasma treatment (PT), and their combination (SNCO5%-PT). Comprehensive characterizations were performed, including surface morphology, O/C ratio, silica content, functional group analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The SNCO5%-PT treatment resulted in the highest silica enrichment and O/C ratio, with increases of 4.5 and 4.75 times, respectively, compared to the untreated sample (NT). FTIR analysis revealed intensified absorption peaks in SNCO5%-PT, particularly at wavenumbers associated with hydroxyl groups and absorbed water in cellulose. XRD analysis further confirmed that SNCO5%-PT achieved the largest crystallite size and highest crystallinity index among all treatments. These findings suggest that the combined treatment enhances the physicochemical properties of rice straw. Future work should focus on evaluating the mechanical performance of treated fibers in polyethylene composite systems, as well as assessing interfacial adhesion and durability under application-relevant conditions. © 2025 by author(s). Applied Chemical Engineering is published by Arts and Science Press Pte. Ltd.
Research Center for Polymer Technology-National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ.Habibie Serpong, South Tangerang, 15314, Indonesia; Research Center for Advanced Material – National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie Serpong, South Tangerang, 15314, Indonesia; Polythecnic STMI Jakarta, Jl. Letjen Suprapto No.26, Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta, 15010, Indonesia; Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Kampus Sekaran, Semarang, 50229, Indonesia
