Thermo-Mechanical and Fire-Retardant Properties of Miscanthus fiber/SiO₂ NPs/Epoxy Based Hybrid Composites for High-Temperature Insulation and Safety Applications
摘要
This study investigates the fabrication of sustainable hybrid composites by incorporating Miscanthus fiber (M. fiber) and various weight proportions (1.5, 3, and 4.5 wt.%) of nano-silicon dioxide (SiO₂ NPs) into an epoxy matrix, aiming to optimize mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant characteristics. Tensile evaluation revealed that the composite containing 3 wt.% SiO₂ NPs achieved the highest tensile strength of 54.6 MPa, representing a 28.6% enhancement compared to the pure Miscanthus–epoxy composites. Similarly, flexural and impact strengths increased by 24.5% and 21.7%, respectively, due to enhanced fiber–matrix adhesion and uniform nanoparticle distribution. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that thermal stability improved with increasing SiO₂ content. The composite with 4.5 wt.% SiO₂ shows a thermal stability of 427 °C, compared to 392 °C for the neat epoxy system. Cone calorimetry confirmed the enhanced flame-retardant effect; Time to Ignition (TTI) increased from 28 s (for neat epoxy) to 43 s (for the 4.5 wt.% composite); Peak Heat Release Rate (PHRR) reduced from 495 kW/m2 to 312 kW/m2, and Total Heat Release (THR) was reduced by 35.2%. The residual mass loss (RML) for the 4.5 wt.% hybrid reached 32.6%, indicating a greater yield of thermally stable char. The SEM analysis of the fracture surfaces revealed a noticeable decrease in fiber pull-out for Miscanthus/SiO₂ NPs hybrid composites. These observations underscore the promise of integrating M. fibers with SiO₂ NPs for producing green composites that boast enhanced mechanical properties, improved thermal stability, and stronger fire resistance, suitable for both automotive and load-bearing structural components.