Applied Chemical Engineering

Enhancing physicochemical properties of rice straw for reinforcement in composite using combined Ultrasound-Plasma treatment

Retno Wulandari

Research Center for Polymer Technology - National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ.Habibie Serpong, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia

Dwi Novriadi

Research Center for Polymer Technology - National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ.Habibie Serpong, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia

Ade Mundari Wijaya

Research Center for Polymer Technology - National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ.Habibie Serpong, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia

Muhammad Yunus

Research Center for Polymer Technology - National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ.Habibie Serpong, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia

Reza Pahlevi Rudianto

Research Center for Polymer Technology - National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ.Habibie Serpong, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia

Annisa Rifathin

Research Center for Polymer Technology - National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ.Habibie Serpong, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia

Dewi Kusuma Arti

Research Center for Advanced Material – National Research and Innovation Agency, KST BJ Habibie Serpong, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia

Fitria Ika Aryanti

Polythecnic STMI Jakarta, Jl. Letjen Suprapto No.26, Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta 15010, Indonesia

Maharani Kusumaningrum

Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Kampus Sekaran, Semarang 50229, Indonesia

Harianingsih Harianingsih

Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Kampus Sekaran, Semarang 50229, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/ace.v8i2.5688

Keywords: composite; fiber; plasma treatment; rice straw; ultrasound treatment

---

Abstract

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.

---

References

[1]. Harun, Siti Norliyana; Hanafiah, Marlia Mohd; Noor, Noorashikin Md. Rice straw utilisation for bioenergy production: a brief overview. Energies 2022; 15.15: 5542. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15155542

[2]. Alengebawy, Ahmed, Yi, R., Nirmal, G., Ahmed, I. O., and Ping, A. Rice straw for energy and value-added products in China: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters 2023; 21 (5):2729-2760. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-023-01612-3

[3]. Abdul Karim, M. R., Tahir, D., Hussain, A., Ul Haq, E., & Khan, K. I. Sodium carbonate treatment of fibres to improve mechanical and water absorption characteristics of short bamboo natural fibres reinforced polyester composite. Plastics, Rubber and Composites 2020, 49(10), 425-433. https://doi.org/10.1080/14658011.2020.17683

[4]. Alonso-Montemayor, F. J., Navarro-Rodríguez, D., Delgado-Aguilar, M., Neira-Velázquez, M. G., Aguilar, C. N., Castañeda-Facio, A. O., ... & Narro-Cespedes, R. I. Plasma-treated lignocellulosic fibers for polymer reinforcement. A review. Cellulose 2020; 29(2), 659-683. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-021-04361-0

[5]. Freitas, P. A., González-Martínez, C., & Chiralt, A. Applying ultrasound-assisted processing to obtain cellulose fibres from rice straw to be used as reinforcing agents. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies 2022; 76, 102932. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2022.102932

[6]. Goodman, B. A. Utilization of waste straw and husks from rice production: A review. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts 2020; 5(3), 143-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2020.07.001

[7]. Singh, A.K.; Bedi, R.; Khajuria, A. A review of composite materials based on rice straw and future trends for sustainable composites. Journal of Cleaner Production 2024; 142417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.142417

[8]. Gevorkyan, Е. S., Rucki, M., Nerubatskyi, V. P., Żurowski, W., Siemiątkowski, Z., Morozow, D., & Kharatyan, A. G. Remanufacturing and advanced machining processes for new materials and components. Taylor & Francis 2022. https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics7020054

[9]. Boonsombuti, A., Trisinsub, O., & Luengnaruemitchai, A. Comparative study of three chemical pretreatments and their effects on the structural changes of rice straw and butanol production. Waste and Biomass Valorization 2020; 2771-2781. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-019-00622-z

[10]. Ningthoujam, R.; Jangid, P.; Yadav, V.K.; Sahoo, D.K.; Patel, A.; Dhingra, H.K. Bioethanol production from alkali-pretreated rice straw: effects on fermentation yield, structural characterization, and ethanol analysis. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 2023; 1243856. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2023.1243856

[11]. Sharma, N.; Allardyce, B.J.; Rajkhowa, R.; Agrawal, R. Rice straw-derived cellulose: a comparative study of various pre-treatment technologies and its conversion to nanofibers”. Scientific Reports 2023; 16327. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-43535-7

[12]. Thakur, M.; Sharma, A.; Ahlawat, V.; Bhattacharya, M.; Goswami, S. Process optimization for the production of cellulose nanocrystals from rice straw derived α-cellulose. Materials Science for Energy Technologies 2020; 328-334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mset.2019.12.005

[13]. Liu, L.; Yuan, Z.; Fan, X.; Pan, C.; Li, X. A review of interfacial bonding mechanism of bamboo fiber reinforced polymer composites. Cellulose 2021; 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-021-04242-6

[14]. Kumar, P. L., Lombardi, A., Byczynski, G., Murty, S. N., Murty, B. S., & Bichler, L. Recent advances in aluminium matrix composites reinforced with graphene-based nanomaterial: A critical review. Progress in Materials Science 2022; 128, 100948. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmatsci.2022.100948

[15]. Sun S, Fan K, Yang J, Liu J, Li X, Zhao L, He X, Liu X, Jia S, Li Q. Surface modification engineering on polymer materials toward multilevel insulation properties and subsequent dielectric energy storage. Materials Today, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mattod.2024.09.008

[16]. Mohammadi, M., Ishak, M. R., & Sultan, M. T. H. Exploring chemical and physical advancements in surface modification techniques of natural fiber reinforced composite: a comprehensive review. Journal of Natural Fibers 2024; 21(1), 2408633. https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2024.2408633

[17]. Cai, B., Mazahreh, J., Ma, Q., Wang, F., & Hu. Ultrasound-assisted fabrication of biopolymer materials: A review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 2022; 209, 1613-1628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.055

[18]. Primc, G., & Mozetič, M. Surface modification of polymers by plasma treatment for appropriate adhesion of coatings. Materials 2024; 17(7), 1494. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071494

[19]. Sathish, S.; Karthi, N.; Prabhu, L.; Gokulkumar, S.; Balaji, D.; Vigneshkumar, N.; Farhan, T.A.; AkilKumar, A.; Dinesh, V.P. A review of natural fiber composites: Extraction methods, chemical treatments and applications. Materials Today: Proceedings 2021; 8017-8023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.12.1105

[20]. Alonso-Montemayor, F.J.; Navarro-Rodríguez, D.; Delgado-Aguilar, M.; Neira-Velázquez, M.G.; Aguilar, C.N.; Castañeda-Facio, A.O.; Reyes-Acosta, Y.K.; Narro-Cespedes, R.I. Plasma-treated lignocellulosic fibers for polymer reinforcement. A review. Cellulose 2022; 659-683. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-021-04361-0

[21]. Jagadeesh, P.; Puttegowda, M.; Mavinkere Rangappa, S.; Siengchin, S. “A review on extraction, chemical treatment, characterization of natural fibers and its composites for potential applications”. Polymer Composites 2021; 6239-6264. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.26312

[22]. Harianingsih, H.; Indriawan, A.N.D.; Setiadi, R.; Pangestu, I.S.; Ubay, I.N.; Erliana, S.R. The Improvement of Modified Rice Straw Fiber/Polyvinyl Alcohol Thermoplastic Polymer Composite Using Cold Plasma Technology. Indonesian Journal of Chemistry 2024. https://doi.org/10.22146/ijc.93255

[23]. Wulandari, R.; Radini, F.A.; Yunus, M.; Arti, D.K.; Harianingsih.; Rusmana, D.; Pratama, A. Comparative Study of Commercial Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Composite Beams: Thermal Behavior and Durability to QUV Exposure. Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series D 2024); 1331-1340. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40033-023-00599-z

[24]. Seghini, M.C.; Touchard, F.; Chocinski-Arnault, L.; Placet, V.; François, C.; Plasseraud, L.; Bracciale, M.P.; Tirillò, J.; Sarasini, F. Environmentally friendly surface modification treatment of flax fibers by supercritical carbon dioxide. Molecules 2020; 438. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25030438

[25]. Freitas, P.A.; González-Martínez, C.; Chiralt, A. Applying ultrasound-assisted processing to obtain cellulose fibres from rice straw to be used as reinforcing agents. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies 2022; 102932. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2022.102932

[26]. Macedo, M.J.; Silva, G.S.; Feitor, M.C.; Costa, T.H.; Ito, E.N.; Melo, J.D. Surface modification of kapok fibers by cold plasma surface treatment. Journal of Materials Research and Technology 2020; 2467-2476. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2019.12.077

[27]. Mohamad, S.; Abdullah, L.C.; Jamari, S.S.; Al Edrus, S.S.O.; Aung, M.M.; Mohamad, S.F.S. Influence of drying method on the crystal structure and thermal property of oil palm frond juice-based bacterial cellulose. Journal of Materials Science 2022: 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-021-06685-5

[28]. Abisha, M.; Priya, R.K.; Arunachalam, K.P.; Avudaiappan, S.; Saavedra Flores, E.I.; Parra, P.F. Biodegradable green composites: Effects of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) treatment on thermal, mechanical, and morphological behavior of Butea parviflora (BP) fibers. Polymers 2023; 2197. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15092197

[29]. Lee, C.H.; Khalina, A.; Lee, S.H. Importance of interfacial adhesion condition on characterization of plant-fiber-reinforced polymer composites: a review. Polymers 2021; 438. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13030438

[30]. Harianingsih, H.; Astuti, W.; Widyastuti, C.R.; Wulandari, R.; Puzi, A.A. Surface Treatment of Wood Polymer Composites from Straw Fiber Using Argon Plasma Jet Injection: Enhancing Adhesion Properties. Jurnal Bahan Alam Terbarukan 2024; 108-116. https://doi.org/10.15294/jbat.v13i2.5572

[31]. Santos, J.C.D.; Oliveira, P.R.; Freire, R.T.S.; Vieira, L.M.G.; Rubio, J.C.C.; Panzera, T.H. The effects of sodium carbonate and bicarbonate treatments on sisal fibre composites. Materials Research 2022; 20210464. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-5373-MR-2021-0464

[32]. Ramachandran, A., Mavinkere Rangappa, S., Kushvaha, V., Khan, A., Seingchin, S., & Dhakal, H. N. Modification of fibers and matrices in natural fiber reinforced polymer composites: a comprehensive review. Macromolecular rapid communications 2022; 2100862. https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202100862

[33]. Sivanantham, G.; Murugan, A.; Selvaraj, S.; Loganathan, P.; Nadarajan, K.; Thangavelu, K. Surface wettability and interfacial behavior of surface-modified fibers and composites. Surface Modification and Coating of Fibers, Polymers, and Composites 2025; 43-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-22029-6.00003-4

[34]. Das, S.C. Sustainable green composites from flax fiber reinforced biopolymer matrices. In Encyclopedia of Green Materials 2024; 1776-1788. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-4618-7_256

[35]. Al Khatib, A., Le-Franc, R., Guin, J. P., & Coulon, J. F. Investigating the thermal effects of plasma surface treatment on crystallinity and mechanical behavior of PEEK. Polymer Degradation and Stability 2023; 216, 110500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2023.110500