CHARACTERIZATION OF AMINO-SILANE FUNCTIONALIZED ANNEALED BIOSILICA AND NETTLE FIBER-REINFORCED VINYL ESTER COMPOSITE

In this research study, the characterization of vinyl-based composites reinforced with annealed-amino silane functionalized fox tail millet husk biosilica and nettle fiber is performed. The primary objective of this study is to analyze how the annealed aminosilane-treated fox tail millet husk biosilica performed as a functional filler in a nettle fiber-reinforced vinyl ester resin composite. The vinyl resin was selected for its small shrinkage after curing, and the biosilica was obtained by an alkaline and acid treatment method. The extracted biosilica was subjected to annealing at [Formula: see text]C to enhance its microstructural properties and subsequently treated with an amino silane coupling agent to improve its compatibility with the resin matrix. The composites were produced by integrating vinyl ester resin, 30[Formula: see text]vol.% nettle fiber, and different quantities of biosilica, subsequently undergoing curing and post-curing procedures. Among the evaluated specimens VNB4 exhibited exceptional mechanical properties. Similarly, composite VNB6 demonstrated an optimal wear resistance, characterized by a specific wear rate of 0.00081[Formula: see text]mm 3 /Nm and a coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.085, resulting from enhanced matrix reinforcement and reduced friction. Moreover, composite VNB6 demonstrates the greatest thermal stability, achieving a TG% of 99 at [Formula: see text]C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination validated these findings by demonstrating well-dispersed biosilica particles and enhanced fiber-matrix adhesion. Finally, the research proves that the meticulous regulation of the treatment and incorporation of biosilica and nettle fiber substantially enhanced the load-bearing properties of composite with promising engineering applications.