Optimal Design for Flexural Strength of Plantain Fibers Reinforced Polyester Matrix

Abstract

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.