Optimization of Mechanical Properties of Green Coconut Fiber / HDPE Composites

Abstract

Natural fibers have become alternative to researcher as an alternative reinforcement for fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The main objective of this investigation is to evaluate the optimum combination of process parameters to maximize the mechanical characteristics viz., Tensile strength, Flexural strength and Impact strength respectively using Taguchi method and utility concept. In fact the traditional Taguchi method cannot solve a multi-objective optimization problem; to overcome this limitation utility concept has been coupled with Taguchi method. Test specimens are prepared by injection molding technique as per L9 orthogonal array in Taguchi’s Design of experiments, the process parameters considered are percentage fiber weight fraction (% wtf) and fiber length (Fl). The individual performance characteristic of the composite material has been transformed to corresponding utility values. Individual utility values have been aggregated to compute the overall utility, which serves as representative objective function for optimization using Taguchi method. Based on the Taghuchi’s Signal-to-Noise ratio (S/N), analysis has been made on the overall utility degree and optimal process parameters has been selected finally which corresponding to highest S/N ratio. Optimal results have been verified through confirmatory test.