Influence of peanut husk derived heat-treated Si₃N₄ on load bearing properties of basalt fibre-reinforced polyester composite

This study looks into how heat-treated bio-ceramic (Si3N4) affects the mechanical, wear, thermal, flammability, and microstructure characteristics of polyester composites reinforced with basalt fibers. Peanut husks were used to prepare the Si3N4, which was then heat-treated at 1200oC to remove any remaining tensions. The hand layup method was used to create the composites, and they were post-cured. The results show that the RBS2 (3 vol% Si3N4) composite has better mechanical properties than the other composites, R, RB, RBS1, RBS2, and RBS3 (5 vol% Si3N4). Its improved tensile strength is 61 MPa, and its flexural strength is 113 MPa. It is also shown that a composite constructed with 3% volume percent of heat-treated Si3N4 particle has an increased Izod impact strength of 4.21 J. Furthermore, under varying stress levels, the composite RBS2 exhibits longer fatigue life cycles. Conversely, the composite RBS3 shows better wear resistance, with a 0.32 coefficient of friction and a specific wear rate of 0.0098 mm³/Nm. With a glass transition (TG) temperature of 90 °C and an initial breakdown temperature of 381 °C, the RBS3 composite also showed enhanced thermal stability. In line with the flammability findings, every composite obtained a UL-94 rating of V-0, indicating exceptional fire resistance. Finally, the enhanced filler dispersion and interfacial bonding with resin are verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination. These results highlight these composites’ potential for uses requiring high levels of wear resistance, fire resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical strength.