Response Surface Optimization of the Impact Strength of Plantain Fiber Reinforced Polyester for Application in Auto Body Works
Keywords:
composite matrix, plantain fiber, response surface methodology, notch, design-Expert 8Abstract
The impact strength of plantain fiber reinforced polyester composites (PFRP)
was evaluated to assess the possibility of using it as a new material in engineering
applications. The study considered the controlling factors (notch tip radius (A) and notch
depth (B)) of different reinforcement combinations in the determination of impact
strength of the composites. This property was determined for plantain empty fruit bunch
(PEFBF) and plantain pseudo stem (PPS). Impact tests were conducted on the replicated
samples of PEFB fiber reinforced polyester composite and PPS fiber reinforced polyester
respectively using Archimedes principles in each case to determine the volume fraction
of fibers. To obtain the optimum properties being investigated, Charpy impact tester was
used to establish the actual control factor levels needed to optimize the mechanical
properties being investigated. These control factor levels were then applied to optimize
the mechanical properties of plantain fiber composites using response surface
methodology (RSM) of Design – Expert 8 software. The impact strength of plantain fiber
reinforced polyester was evaluated as 167.851 KJ/m2
for optimum performance.
