This study explores the novel application of silanized cow dung nanosilica as a reinforcement agent in corn husk fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. To achieve this, cow dung was processed to obtain nanosilica particles, which were then silanized to enhance their compatibility with epoxy resin. Corn husk fibers were incorporated into the epoxy matrix with varying concentrations of silanized cow dung nanosilica. The resulting composites were subjected to various tests to evaluate their mechanical properties, wear resistance, and flammability behavior. The mechanical testing revealed a significant enhancement in the tensile strength, flexural strength, and compression strength and impact resistance of the composite with the addition of silanized cow dung nanosilica. The composite containing 40 vol.% fiber and 1 vol.% of biosilica exhibits maximum values of 141 MPa, 186 MPa, and 162 MPa for tensile strength, flexural strength, and compression strength, respectively. Impact energy of the same designations is observed at a value of 5.5 KJ/m², but composites containing 2 vol.% of biosilica scored a higher Shore-D hardness with a value of 93. The wear resistance was notably improved with higher silica content; thus, wear resistance also increased, with a coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.24 and sp. wear rate of 0.012 mm³/Nm. Furthermore, the flammability test demonstrated reduced flame propagation and improved fire resistance with a propagation speed of 7.37 mm/min for 2 vol.% of biosilica-dispersed composites, making these composites safer for various applications. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images provide valuable insights into the microstructure of composites. These mechanical, wear, and flammability improved composites could be used in various industries, including automotive, construction, and structural.

本研究探讨了硅烷化牛粪纳米二氧化硅作为增强剂在玉米皮纤维增强环氧复合材料中的新应用。为了实现这一目标，对牛粪进行处理以获得纳米二氧化硅颗粒，然后将其硅烷化以增强其与环氧树脂的相容性。将玉米壳纤维与不同浓度的硅烷化牛粪纳米二氧化硅掺入环氧树脂基质中。所得复合材料经过各种测试，以评估其机械性能、耐磨性和可燃性。机械测试表明，添加硅烷化牛粪纳米二氧化硅后，复合材料的拉伸强度、弯曲强度、压缩强度和抗冲击性显着增强。含有 40 vol.% 纤维和 1 vol.% 生物二氧化硅的复合材料的拉伸强度、弯曲强度和压缩强度的最大值分别为 141 MPa、186 MPa 和 162 MPa。相同名称的冲击能量为 5.5 KJ/m ²，但含有 2 vol.% 生物二氧化硅的复合材料获得了更高的肖氏 D 硬度，值为 93。随着二氧化硅含量的增加，耐磨性显着提高; 因此，耐磨性也提高了，摩擦系数 (COF) 为 0.24 和 sp。磨损率为0.012mm ³ /Nm。此外，可燃性测试表明，2 vol.% 的生物二氧化硅分散复合材料的火焰传播减少，耐火性提高，传播速度为 7.37 毫米/分钟，使这些复合材料在各种应用中更加安全。扫描电子显微镜 (SEM) 图像为了解复合材料的微观结构提供了宝贵的见解。这些机械性、耐磨性和可燃性得到改善的复合材料可用于各种行业，包括汽车、建筑和结构。