Effect of Silane Grafted Polyethylene Terephthalate Foam, Areca Fruit Fiber and Microcrystalline Cellulose Toughened Vinyl Ester Composite on Thermal and Water Accelerated Aging

This study investigates the performance of vinyl ester composites reinforced with areca fruit fiber, microcrystalline cellulose, and silane coupling-grafted recycled PET bottle waste foam under conditions of water and heat-accelerated aging. The reinforcement, areca fiber and recycled PET foam were surface-modified using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (3-APTMS) to enhance interfacial bonding. The composites were fabricated using a manual hand layup process and subjected to aging tests. According to results the APS2 composite had enhanced heat conductivity at 0.17[Formula: see text]W/mk and decreased flame propagation speed at 10.99[Formula: see text]mm/min after being exposed to saltwater. Similarly, after being exposed to rainwater, the ARP2 composite developed a temperature conductivity of 0.16[Formula: see text]W/mk, a flexural strength of 80.3[Formula: see text]MPa, a tensile strength of 37.4[Formula: see text]MPa, and a flame propagation speed of 10.97[Formula: see text]mm/min. SEM analysis of silane-treated vinyl ester composites reinforced with areca fibers and microcrystalline cellulose reveals improved interfacial bonding and filler dispersion, enhancing the composite’s mechanical integrity. These findings confirm that the application of silane coupling agents significantly enhances the thermal stability, water resistance, and overall durability of the composites, making them suitable for demanding applications requiring high mechanical strength, effective thermal management, and robust fire resistance, particularly under challenging environmental conditions.