<p>This research explores the development of sustainable epoxy composites reinforced with castor stem fiber and varying concentrations (1–4 vol.%) of silane-treated Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> ceramic filler synthesized from wheat husk agro-waste. The novelty of this study lies in the eco-friendly integration of agricultural residues and engineered ceramic nanoparticles to produce high-performance multifunctional composites. The fabrication approach involves surface modification of Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> through silane treatment to enhance interfacial bonding and optimize load transfer within the epoxy matrix. Among the developed specimens, the composite RCS2 (2 vol.% Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>) exhibited superior mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 158&#xa0;MPa, tensile modulus of 4.51 GPa, flexural strength of 165&#xa0;MPa, flexural modulus of 5.81 GPa, and an impact strength of 5.1&#xa0;J. These enhancements are attributed to the high stiffness and fracture toughness of the ceramic filler and its effective dispersion. In contrast, RCS3 (4 vol.% Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>) showed enhanced functional performance with a hardness of 99 Shore-D, a low specific wear rate of 0.009, a coefficient of friction of 0.25 and a reduced flame propagation speed of 6.13&#xa0;mm/min, owing to improved particle–matrix interaction. SEM analysis confirmed uniform dispersion and strong interfacial adhesion. This study contributes to material science by demonstrating a scalable strategy for producing bio-based, wear-resistant, and flame-retardant polymer composites suitable for automotive, aerospace, marine, and packaging applications.</p>

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Mechanical, tribological, and flame-retardant properties of epoxy composites reinforced with silane-treated Si3N4 and castor stem fiber

  • P. Prabhakaran,
  • R. Ashok Raj,
  • C. Chanakyan,
  • P. Rajesh Kumar

摘要

This research explores the development of sustainable epoxy composites reinforced with castor stem fiber and varying concentrations (1–4 vol.%) of silane-treated Si3N4 ceramic filler synthesized from wheat husk agro-waste. The novelty of this study lies in the eco-friendly integration of agricultural residues and engineered ceramic nanoparticles to produce high-performance multifunctional composites. The fabrication approach involves surface modification of Si3N4 through silane treatment to enhance interfacial bonding and optimize load transfer within the epoxy matrix. Among the developed specimens, the composite RCS2 (2 vol.% Si3N4) exhibited superior mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 158 MPa, tensile modulus of 4.51 GPa, flexural strength of 165 MPa, flexural modulus of 5.81 GPa, and an impact strength of 5.1 J. These enhancements are attributed to the high stiffness and fracture toughness of the ceramic filler and its effective dispersion. In contrast, RCS3 (4 vol.% Si3N4) showed enhanced functional performance with a hardness of 99 Shore-D, a low specific wear rate of 0.009, a coefficient of friction of 0.25 and a reduced flame propagation speed of 6.13 mm/min, owing to improved particle–matrix interaction. SEM analysis confirmed uniform dispersion and strong interfacial adhesion. This study contributes to material science by demonstrating a scalable strategy for producing bio-based, wear-resistant, and flame-retardant polymer composites suitable for automotive, aerospace, marine, and packaging applications.