Influence of silane‐modified Vinyl ester on the properties of Abaca fiber reinforced composites.

Abstract: The versatility of the fiber reinforced composites has significantly replaced some of the sophisticated metal components in certain sectors of industries. The matrix could be altered to improve self‐properties via silane modifiers by forming chemical linkages with the matrix in harmony with the reinforcing agents. This research work is an endeavor to enhance the traits of Vinyl ester by scrutinizing the influence of silane chemical agents using Hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS). The dispersion time and concentration of these chemicals in matrix were optimized and henceforth a natural reinforcement, Abaca fabric was incorporated to constitute Natural fiber composite via Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) technique. The effect of resin modification on mechanical, thermal, and physical properties of Vinyl ester/Abaca (VE/AF) composite was examined. HMDS resin modified composite showed an improvement in the mechanical and flame retardant properties when compared to the pristine composite due to the formation of siloxane bonding which is compatible with the functional groups of both the matrix and the fabric. FT‐IR and FESEM characterizations have showed imperative evidences to support the results. This investigation provides a channel for enhancing the properties of natural fiber composites via chemical modification technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]