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Co-Organisers:
I-RICE'26
4th International Research, Innovation, Creativity & Engineering Project Competition 2026
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Project ID:
SCEN04201
RICE HUSK: FROM WASTE TO ECO FRIENDLY PRODUCT
Project Title:
Category:
Science and Engineering
Inventors:
Rania Qaisara binti Nor Radzlan, Qistina Alisha binti Ainol Huda, Mohd Rizuan bin Mohammed Shafie
Institution/Company:
MRSM Gemencheh (Maktab Rendah Sains MARA Gemencheh)
Invention Description/ Abstract:
Rice Husk: From Waste to Eco-Friendly Product is an innovative project that transforms rice husk, an agricultural by-product, into a functional and sustainable Quran stand (rehal). The project aims to demonstrate how agricultural waste can be reused as a value-added material through the development of a rice husk–epoxy composite.
The innovation uses rice husk as a filler or reinforcing material and epoxy resin as the matrix. The experimental process was conducted progressively to determine a suitable formulation for producing a hard, stable, and functional composite. Initial trials focused on identifying an appropriate epoxy resin–hardener mixture. Subsequent trials incorporated different forms and proportions of rice husk. The samples were evaluated based on physical characteristics including hardness, surface condition, structural stability, and ability to support a load.
A total of 12 experimental trials were conducted. The findings showed that the composition and condition of rice husk influenced the physical properties of the composite. Trial 10, containing 5% normal rice husk, produced the hardest recorded material and was able to support weight without bending or breaking. The selected formulation was subsequently applied in producing a functional Quran stand.
The novelty of this project lies in converting rice husk waste into a practical and culturally relevant product while integrating STEM concepts such as composite material formation, polymer curing, and covalent bonding. The resulting product demonstrates the potential of rice husk for developing useful eco-friendly products rather than being treated solely as agricultural waste.
This innovation supports sustainable material utilisation and the principles of responsible consumption and production. With further mechanical testing, durability assessment, product refinement, and cost analysis, the rice husk–epoxy composite has potential to be developed into other functional and decorative products.
Invention Technical Description
Rice Husk: From Waste to Eco-Friendly Product is a composite material developed using rice husk and epoxy resin to produce a functional Quran stand (rehal). In this composite, rice husk acts as the filler or reinforcing material, while epoxy resin acts as the matrix that binds the rice husk particles together. A hardener is mixed with the epoxy resin to start the curing process.
The project was carried out through 12 experimental trials. The early trials focused on finding a suitable combination of epoxy resin and hardener that could produce a hard and stable matrix. In the later trials, rice husk was added in different forms and amounts to study how these changes affected the physical properties of the composite.
The production process begins by measuring and mixing the epoxy resin and hardener. Rice husk is then added and mixed evenly into the epoxy mixture. The mixture is poured into a Quran stand mould and allowed to cure for at least three days before evaluation. The samples are evaluated based on hardness, cracking, surface condition, density, structural stability, and ability to support weight.
Scientifically, when epoxy resin is mixed with the hardener, a chemical curing reaction takes place. During this process, the molecules form a three-dimensional crosslinked polymer network through covalent bonds. This changes the epoxy from a liquid mixture into a hard and rigid solid material. The cured epoxy matrix also surrounds and holds the rice husk particles within the composite structure.
The experimental results showed that the amount and form of rice husk affected the physical properties of the final composite. Trial 10 produced the hardest recorded sample and was able to support weight without bending or breaking. This showed that selecting a suitable combination of epoxy, hardener, and rice husk is important for producing a stable composite.
The final product demonstrates how agricultural waste and polymer science can be combined to produce a useful and eco-friendly product. Further mechanical testing, such as load, flexural, and impact tests, could be carried out in the future to scientifically measure the strength and durability of the composite.
Demostration/ Presentation Video
Poster/ Broucher/ Invention Photo
Additional Documents
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