From waste to strength: enhancing 3d printed polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) with rice husk (RH) reinforcement

Sohif, Hajar Naemah and Wan Sulaiman, Wan Muhammad Zulfadli and Manshor, Hanisah (2025) From waste to strength: enhancing 3d printed polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) with rice husk (RH) reinforcement. In: Advancing Frontiers: Kulliyyah Of Engineering Research, Innovation & Commercialisation Exhibition (KERICE 2025). Kulliyyah of Engineering International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) 53100 Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia.

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Abstract

This research unveils a sustainable breakthrough by transforming agricultural waste into high-performance materials. The blending of Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) with rice husk (RH), an abundant byproduct, was explored to create a novel composite 3D printing filament. This work addresses the dual challenge of improving PETG's mechanical properties and promoting eco-friendly manufacturing. Novel composite filaments with various RH content (0wt.%-10wt.%) were developed and tested for their mechanical properties. The findings reveal a clear optimal blend where the addition of 6 wt% RH significantly enhances the material's key properties. This optimal composition delivers a smoother surface finish (4.05 Ra), increased hardness (22.63 HV), and superior tensile strength (50.9142 MPa) compared to pure PETG (9.86 Ra, 10.9 HV, 40.8522 MPa). This peak performance is achieved by balancing the fiber-matrix interaction, beyond which properties decline. Further increase of RH leads to a stronger fiber-fiber bond, which weakens the interfacial bond of fiber-matrix. A weak interfacial bond between the fiber and matrix results in inefficient load transfer, thereby decreasing the sample’s mechanical properties. This study successfully demonstrates that rice husk waste can be transformed into a valuable reinforcing agent for 3D printing. 94 wt.% PETG/6 wt.% RH composite offers a superior, sustainable alternative to conventional filaments, balancing enhanced performance with environmental responsibility.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Uncontrolled Keywords:	3D Printing;Additive Manufacturing, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM),Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG), Rice Husk (RH), Natural Fiber Reinforcement, Polymer Composites
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) > TA401 Materials of engineering and construction
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Science
Depositing User:	Dr. Hanisah Manshor
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2025 10:03
Last Modified:	12 Dec 2025 10:03
Queue Number:	2025-12-Q544
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/125191

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