Optimization of composition parameter of Banana-Areca fiber epoxy based composite material for impact strength using Taguchi method

Abstract

The use of natural fibers in various automotive, aerospace, marine, domestic, and electronic applications is increasing day by day for various reasons such as availability, high tensile, flexural, and impact strength, ease of fabrication, and abrasion-resistant properties. These fibers are replacing synthetic fibers due to harmless environmental risks. Natural fibers are commonly used as reinforcement materials in various thermoplastics. Therefore, in this study, a bio composite was prepared using a mixture of banana fiber and areca fiber. In this experimental work, various combination of Banana and areca fiber is used to prepare the composite for the impact strength of the material. The impact strength is performed for three different levels of volume of banana fiber, areca, and epoxy resin. Parameter optimization is performed using Taguchi analysis which forms an L9 orthogonal meshing of an array and the signal-to-noise ratio is used to optimize the control factors affecting the impact resistance of the material. For each group, the impact resistance is measured according to the ASTM D256 standard. Analysis of variance is done to determine the most significant factor influencing the impact strength of the material. The composition of banana fiber layer 1 turned out to be the most significant factor in achieving the high-impact strength of the material. A confirmation test was conducted to validate the predicted results of Taguchi analysis and experimental testing.