Silane Modified Waste Fish Scales Compatibilized With Epoxidized Soybean Oil ( ESO ) for Developing Sustainable Bio ‐ Composites

ABSTRACT Fish scale, a waste protein, is difficult to dispose of especially in developing countries. Utilizing this abundant yet underappreciated resource to develop bio composites is a great approach to reduce waste and carbon emissions while also increasing income by providing fish vendors with innovative and creative business options. This study focuses on the idea of waste‐to‐wealth as composite sheets were made with chemically modified fish scale powder (FSP) as reinforcing agent, maleic anhydride modified acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (MAESO) resin as polymer matrix, itaconic acid‐glycidyl methacrylate adduct (IG) as diluent and epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) as compatibilizer as well as plasticizer. To enhance its interaction with the resin, FSP was surface treated using varying percentage of silane coupling agent (3‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane). A series of silane treated fish scale powder (SiFSP) reinforced composites were prepared by varying both the percentage of silane as well as ESO. The best composite using 12 wt% silane treated FSP and 6 wt% ESO showed an increase of 55% in tensile strength and 11% in shore D hardness value compared to that of composite containing untreated FSP and 6 wt% ESO. Furthermore, SiFSP containing composites demonstrated the best results as judged by morphological studies, chemical resistance, water absorption and biodegradability studies. These composites may offer a sustainable alternative to conventional, non‐biodegradable synthetic materials, promoting both advanced material performance and environmental conservation. The developed green composites might have the potential for household and construction applications because of their increased mechanical strength, thermal stability, and flame retardancy.