An experimental effort on the impact of hot press forming process parameters on tensile, flexural & impact properties of bamboo fiber composites with the help of Taguchi experimental design

Abstract

In the existent scenario of alarmingly accrescent demography of the universe, the pretensions of biodegradable green composites made from natural fibers are at their summit point due to their superior properties such as renewable character, low weight, low density, cost effectiveness, comparable specific strength, CO2 sequestration, admissible mechanical, acoustic & thermal insulation properties which also able to rendition themselves as a brawny & trade alternative to the petroleum based composite materials in various industrial & other applications. Inspite of their biodegradability & eco-friendly behaviour, the most influential factors that control the properties of the green composites are processing conditions, methodology, fiber/matrix adhesion & moisture resistivity of natural fibers nevertheless proper control of these factors can make the manifested composites more proficient & lithesome to different kinds of applications. Henceforth one endeavour is taken in this ploy to amplify the mechanical properties of bamboo fiber composites by optimizing the hot press forming process parameters such as temperature, pressure, pre-heat time, heating time & cooling rate with the help of Taguchi L16orthogonal array experimental design. By applying the analysis of the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio) the optimum combination of process parameters has been acquired. Bring to Bear of analysis of variance (ANOVA) ascertained the importance of the levels on process parameters. Put Forth of regression analysis were mathematically modelled the metamorphism of tensile, flexural & impact properties with process parameters. In Fine, the presented models are also corroborated by a set of confirmation test.