Abstract
This paper aims at improving the mechanical properties of Dharbai fiber-reinforced polyester composites through surface modification of Dharbai fibers using potassium hydroxide alkali treatment. The fibers were subjected to alkali treatment as per full factorial design, and the composites were fabricated by reinforcing the treated fibers in polyester matrix. The response surface methodology was employed to study the effect of treatment parameters namely solution concentration (%) and soaking time (h) on the mechanical properties of Dharbai fiber-reinforced composites. The regression model was developed for correlating the interactions between solution concentrations and soaking time on the tensile, flexural, and impact strength of the composites. The results obtained confirmed that both solution concentration (%) and soaking time (h) play critical role in influencing the mechanical properties of Dharbai fiber-reinforced composites. The better treatment conditions for optimum mechanical properties were determined using heuristic optimization method called particle swarm optimization. The optimized value obtained using particle swarm optimization technique was validated using confirmation test, and the results were found to be significant.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part L: Journal of Materials: Design and Applications
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
