Abstract
Efforts are continuously being made by researchers to improve fuel efficiency and to reduce CO 2 emissions from the passenger cars. To achieve these goal, recent trend is to make the cars components light in weight for which manufacturing car roofs using natural fiber reinforced composites (NFCs) is one of the method. Several natural fibers (NFs)are available as alternative reinforcements for the fabrication of NFCs. Different NFs possess different properties and therefore, it is necessary to select the most appropriate natural fiber for fabrication of the composites which in turn will lead to the desired performance of the vehicle. Selection of the optimal natural fiber, amongst the several alternatives, is basically a multi criteria decision making (MCDM) problem as selection is based on the evaluation of several conflicting criteria. In this study, twelve alternative natural fibers (Flax, Hemp, Jute, Kenaf, Ramie, Okra, PALF, Coir, Isora, Cotton, Banana and Sisal) and six evaluation criteria (Tensile strength, Stiffness, Failure strain, Density, Degradation temperature and Moisture gain) are considered and selection of the optimal NF is made using a newly developed hybrid MCDM method i.e. Linear goal programming model for Best-Worst method (LGPMBWM) and Proximity index value method (PIV). Results of the study reveal that among all considered natural fibers, Ramie fiber is the most suitable alternative for the fabrication of composites and coir fiber is the worst candidate for the same.
Highlights
The temperature of earth is increasing due to the emission of global warming gases from various sources such as industries and different modes of transport
Third criterion is the stiffness of natural fiber reinforced composites (NFCs) which is mainly governed by reinforcing phase i.e. natural fibres
Selection of appropriate natural fibre for Car roof was successfully done by employing LGPMBWMPIV method
Summary
The temperature of earth is increasing due to the emission of global warming gases from various sources such as industries and different modes of transport. Production of transport vehicles needs four times less energy as compared to energy required to drive them during their complete service life [1]. Emissions from transports contribute major portion of global warming. The problem of global warming due to emissions from transports can be minimized by improving their performance in terms of fuel economy which can be achieved by reducing their weight to strength ratio [2]. It is suggested to produce light weight vehicles with increased strength. The weight of the vehicular transports can be minimized by using appropriate materials in their production. It is imperative to select the best material from the existing numerous materials to achieve the objective of making vehicles light in weight
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