Optimal Design for Flexural Strength of Plantain Fibers Reinforced Polyester Matrix
Keywords:
composite matrix, plantain fiber, flexural strength, robust design, pseudo stem, empty fruit bunchAbstract
This study considered the controlling factors, volume fraction of fibers (A), aspect ratio of fibers
(B) and fibers orientation (C) in the determination of flexural strength of plantain fibers reinforced
polyester composites (PFRP). These properties were determined for plantain empty fruit bunch fibers
reinforced polyester matrix (PEFBFRP) and plantain pseudo stem fibers reinforced polyester (PPSFRP).
Flexural tests were conducted on the replicated samples of PEFBFRP and PPSFRP respectively using
Archimedes principles in each case to determine the volume fraction of fibers. To obtain the optimum
properties being investigated for the results of the mechanical tests obtained using a Monsanto tensometer
were used to establish the control factor levels needed to optimize the mechanical properties being
investigated. The optimum values of the control factors were established for empty fruit bunch composites
and for pseudo stem fiber composite. The empty fruit bunch fiber reinforced polyester matrix composite
has the maximum flexural strength of 42.40MPa, while the pseudo stem plantain fiber reinforced matrix
composite has the maximum flexural strength of 41.16MPa. The finite element analysis showed that the
composite sample subjected to 48.228MPa will deflect 14.569mm within its elastic limit while the use of
FTIR spectroscopy confirms that PEFPRFP is stronger than PPSFRP.
