Orthogonal Array Experimental Design Research Articles

Production of β-cyclodextrin by immobilized CGTase in packed bed bioreactor through the medium component by employing Taguchi methodology

This study investigates the optimization of submerged culture conditions for the production of extracellular cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) enzyme by Bacillus macerans ATCC 8244, employing Taguchi orthogonal array (OA) experimental design methodology. Five critical factors - starch, peptone, temperature, pH, and agitation speed - were examined at two levels using an OA layout of L8 for the experimental design. Analysis revealed a significant enhancement in CGTase yield, with the modified culture conditions resulting in a 21.2% increase from 513.416 U/ml to 622.5 U/ml. The successful application of Taguchi's design methodology underscores its efficacy in optimizing enzyme production processes. This study highlights Taguchi's design potential as a valuable tool for improving CGTase production efficiency while minimizing resource consumption. Additionally, the utilization of a packed bed bioreactor (PBR) facilitated continuous production of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), demonstrating stability over 10 days with only a slight decrease in productivity. The Km,app value was determined to be 23.4 mg starch/ml, indicating a slight increase.

Investigation of Machining Parameters for Turning Process

Manufacturing industries mainly concentrates on how to minimize the cost of the products. The process planers have to prepare the process plan of the product based on the availability of the recourses. All the information is available in the plan including inspection and delivery date of the product. Based on the recommendation of the manufacturing and inspection methods, components are produced at affordable cost. Most of the research work concentrated on selection of machining parameters using optimization techniques and also prove that the machining time / cost were minimized for the particular components / operations. In this work, tool nomenclature is to be considered for the investigation for selection of machining parameters. Work presents an experimental investigation of the influence of the three most important machining parameters of depth of cut, feed rate and spindle speed on surface roughness during turning of aluminium alloy. In this study, the design of experiment which is a powerful tool for experimental design is used to optimize the machining parameters for effective machining of the work piece. L9 orthogonal array experimental design method as well as analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to analyse the influence of machining parameters on MRR & Machining Time. Two different grade of aluminium alloy i.e. AL 6063 & AL 6068 were machined with input parameters of depth of cut and speed. The output parameters are MRR and machining time. Based on the results empirical equations are formed and optimized results are validation .The optimal results are recommended to manufacturing industries.

Influence of design parameters on sustained drug release properties of 3D-printed theophylline tablets

The application of three-dimensional printing (3DP) in the pharmaceutical industry brings a broad spectrum of benefits to patients by addressing individual needs and improve treatment success. This study investigates the sustained release properties of 3DP tablets containing Theophylline (TPH), which is commonly used to treat respiratory diseases and recently having a comeback due to its potential in the treatment of conditions like Covid-19. Since TPH is a narrow therapeutic window (NTW) drug with serious side effects in the event of overdose, the release properties must be observed particularly closely. We employed a state-of-the-art single screw extrusion 3D printer, which is fed with granules containing the drug. By employing a Taguchi orthogonal array design of experiments (DOE), tablet design parameters and factor related process stability were sought to be evaluated fundamentally. Following this, examinations regarding tailored TPH dosages were undertaken and a relationship between the real printed dose of selected tablet designs and their sustained drug release was established. The release profiles were analyzed using different mathematical model fits and compared in terms of mean dissolution times (MDT). Finally, in-vivo/in-vitro correlation (IVIVC) and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling showed that a paradigm patient group could be covered with the dosage forms produced.

Optimization of Turning Process Performance Characteristics during Machining of AISI 304 Material

Turning process variables significantly affect the turning process performance. In the present work, Taguchi technique was applied to optimize the turning process performance during machining of AISI 304 material under conventional cooling method. Turning process variables such as cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut were considered for the study. Taguchi L9 orthogonal array (OA) experimental design plan was considered for carrying out the experiments. Cutting temperature, tool wear and surface roughness were considered as output responses. From the results, it was found that the Taguchi technique determined optimum process parameters significantly improved the turning performance. It is recommended that metal cutting industries could use these optimum cutting conditions to reduce the material waste and increase the productivity while machining of AISI 304 material.

Tribological impact on borosilicate glass powder reinforced Al-MMC by variation of sliding velocity and the study of its machinability

Now-a-days, metal matrix composites based on pure aluminium are widely used as a replacement for a wide range of applications thanks to their high strength-to-weight ratio, ductility, and thermal conductivity. Micron-sized (10−3 mm) borosilicate (mixer of Silica (SiO2) and Boron Oxide (B2O3)) glass particles were used to create a dispersion in an aluminium matrix composite (Al7075- borosilicate glass MMC) utilizing a stir casting technique while in a liquid condition. The present study examines the effect of borosilicate glass particle content (0, 3, 6, and 9 wt%) and changes in sliding velocity (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 m s−1) on the wear behaviour of a composite rubbing against an EN31 steel disc at a constant load of 20N and a sliding distance of 1000 m. Analysis of wear showed that the presence of borosilicate glass increased the wear rate and countered the trend shown in the coefficient of friction. In a similar vein, the sliding velocity of the counter plate rotated faster resulted in a higher coefficient of friction and a higher wear rate. A reliable mathematical model is developed to find the best combination of machining parameters for Al7075-borosilicate glass metal matrix composite (MMC). This model will consider important performance measures like surface smoothness and material removal rate. The authors will also use a sophisticated statistical method called the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array design of experiments (DOE) to understand how different machining settings affect how easily the composite can be machined. By analyzing the results from the DOE, it can optimize the machining parameters for efficient and cost-effective processing. This work can lead to manufacturing innovation in the future.

Optimization of the Effect of Hydraulic Hot-Pressing-Process Parameters on Tensile Properties of Kapok Fiber Nonwoven Web Based on Taguchi Experimental Design

This paper investigates the effect of temperature on the physical properties of Kapok fiber web formed via the hot-pressing method. The kapok web was prepared using the Ashford drum carder. Test samples were subjected to heat treatment in a hydraulic hot-press under three different temperatures (160, 170, and 180°C), heating durations (5, 7.5, and 10 min), and pressures (500, 750, and 1000 psi). This study was conducted to clarify the tensile properties of kapok fabrics under optimal hot-press-forming process parameters such as temperature, heating time, and pressure; here, the Taguchi L27 orthogonal array experimental design was adopted for the optimization. The surface morphologies and tensile properties of kapok fabrics were investigated. The optimum combination of process factors was obtained through signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio analysis. Furthermore, analysis of variance was employed to determine the importance of the process parameter levels. Moreover, regression analysis was adopted to mathematically model the metamorphism of tensile properties with process parameters. A set of confirmation tests was also conducted, and the results verified the presented models. This study results showed that all three processing factors had significant influences on the tensile strength of the carded nonwoven kapok. The combination of hot-pressing parameters to obtain the optimum tensile strength was obtained as follows: 170°C temperature, 1000 psi pressure, and 10 min heating time.

A novel automatic detection and classification algorithm for elderly cognitive impairment using CSVM

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative disease with insidious onset and chronic nervous system, which can be roughly classified into three stages: preclinical AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and clinical AD. Given that timely treatment of MCI can delay the course of AD, identifying what stage of the disease is at the time of early diagnosis is critical in clinical practice. Based on the survey data of elderly residents in Changsha community, this paper constructs the cognitive impairment data set and explores the application of the emerging classification algorithm Convolutional Support Vector Machine(CSVM) in identifying elderly cognitive impairment, a small data classification problem. CSVM is an improved Support Vector Machine classification(SVC) algorithm, which uses the convolution filtering idea of the Convolutional Neural Networks(CNN) algorithm to preprocess the nonlinearly separable sample set to improve the classification ability of SVM. In addition, the optimal convolution filter (solution) is found by the Simplified Swarm Optimization(SSO) algorithm and orthogonal array experimental design. A variable update amplitude method is also proposed to optimize the SSO update strategy further. Aiming at the problem of an unbalanced sample set, a stratified sampling method is used to divide and cross-validate the sample data, and a variety of evaluation indicators are used to evaluate the performance of the model. Experimental results show that the data set processed by a specific convolution filter can significantly improve the classification performance of linear SVM. The accurate differentiation of normal cognition(NC), MCI, and AD helps intervene in adjuvant treatment for potential patients timely.

Low binder content bricks: a regolith-based solution for sustainable surface construction on the Moon

This work proposes a composite construction material made by a blend of lunar regolith and thermoplastic binders in dry powder form. This solution offers advantages over regolith sintering or melting by requiring lower power consumption and simplifying the manufacturing process. However, its sustainability depends on minimizing the content of the binder material. Drawing from validated concepts used on Earth, such as polymeric concrete and compressed Earth bricks, this paper suggests that binder optimization can be achieved by simplifying and streamlining the manufacturing process, targeting parts with predefined shapes. Standardized elements like bricks or tiles ease production and assembly automation, especially when incorporating interlocking features, simplifying the payload concept transition. After drafting the process with a minimum number of basic steps, this work studies the effects of some process parameters to minimize the weight percentage of the matrix while maintaining reasonable mechanical properties. The compressive and the flexural strength are the targets of an orthogonal array Design of Experiment. Through comparison with reference values for civil engineering, the process demonstrates promising results within an organic phase as low as 10 wt%.

Simultaneous Determination of Seven Pyrethroid Pesticide Residues in Aquatic Products by Gas Chromatography

Aquatic products are good sources of essential nutrients, but the presence of pyrethroids (PYRs) as contaminants may pose risks to consumer health as the intricate matrices of PYRs usually obstruct chemical hazard detection. In this study, a gas chromatographic method was established and validated for simultaneously detecting residues of seven PYRs (cyhalothrin, permethrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, tau-fluvalinate, fenvalerate, deltamethrin) in aquatic products. The aim of this method was to assess better the potential risks of pesticide residues in aquatic products. The PYRs in aquatic products were extracted with acetonitrile, purified with n-hexane saturated with acetonitrile, and cleaned up on a Cleanert® Alumina N column. Statistical analysis and orthogonal array experimental design were used to optimize the key parameters. To validate the proposed method, commonly consumed aquatic products (such as carp, crucian carp, whiteleg shrimp, river crab, sea cucumber, and scallop) were obtained from local supermarkets in Shanghai. Satisfied linearity of the calibration curves was achieved in a matrix-matched standard solution, with a correlation coefficient (R2) larger than 0.995. The average recoveries at five fortification levels varied from 77.0% to 117.2%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 11.1%. Concerning electron capture detection, the limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) were 2.0–5.0 µg/kg and 5.0–10.0 µg/kg, respectively. These results demonstrate the high stability and sensitivity of this method for simultaneously detecting PYRs in aquatic products, having great practicability and which can be popularized easily.

Optimization of Charpy Impact Strength of Tough PLA Samples Produced by 3D Printing Using the Taguchi Method.

This research employs the Taguchi method and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to investigate, analyze, and optimize the impact strength of tough polylactic acid (PLA) material produced through fused deposition modeling (FDM). This study explores the effect of key printing parameters-specifically, infill density, raster angle, layer height, and print speed-on Charpy impact strength. Utilizing a Taguchi L16 orthogonal array experimental design, the parameters are varied within defined ranges. The results, analyzed through signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios and ANOVA, reveal that infill density has the most substantial impact on Charpy impact strength, followed by print speed, layer height, and raster angle. ANOVA identifies infill density and print speed as the most influential factors, contributing 38.93% and 36.51%, respectively. A regression model was formulated and this model predicted the impact strength with high accuracy (R2 = 98.16%). The optimized parameter set obtained through the Taguchi method, namely, a 100% infill density, 45/-45° raster angle, 0.25 mm layer height, and 75 mm/s print speed, enhances the impact strength by 1.39% compared to the experimental design, resulting in an impact strength of 38.54 kJ/m2. Validation experiments confirmed the effectiveness of the optimized parameters.

Comparative performance evaluation between ta-C and TiAlCrN coated tools during milling of additively manufactured CFRP composite

Due to the excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance properties, the application of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites is rising among various industries day-by-day. This research addresses the performance evaluation of tetrahedral amorphous hard carbon (ta-C) and TiAlCrN coated carbide tools during milling of additively manufactured CFRP composite under dry environment. Tool rotational (spindle) speed, feed and depth of cut are considered as the variable factors in order to evaluate the machining performance characteristics in milling operation concerning surface roughness (Ra), cutting force (Fc) and cutting temperature (T). Taguchi's L16 orthogonal array design of experiments was adopted to conduct the machining trials under various settings of process variables. The relative influence of the different types of coatings and different operating parameters on machined surface morphology in milling was analysed by scanning electron microscope. From the experimental results, a promising machining performance is noticed for TiAlCrN coated carbide end milling tool accomplished by physical vapour deposition technique in terms of all machining attributes compared to ta-C coated end milling tool due to superior wear resistance, surface hardness and bonding strength of coating material. Among the tools used, TiAlCrN coated carbide tools for CFRP milling application promises excellent machinability performances in terms of reduced cutting force, enhanced machined surface morphology as well as surface finish, and minimum cutting temperature. The mean value ratios for Ra ta-C/RaTiAlCrN, Fc ta-C/FcTiAlCrN and T ta-C/TTiAlCrN are 1.44, 1.24 and 1.21, respectively.

Evaluation and optimization of mechanical properties of laterized concrete containing fly ash and steel fiber using Taguchi robust design method

The present study employs the S/N ratio and multiple regression analysis to evaluate the mechanical properties of laterized concrete with fly ash and steel fiber. The study considers compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths as responses at 7 and 28 days. The Taguchi L16 (4 *4) orthogonal array experimental design is applied to optimize the performance of mechanical properties of concrete by using the design of experiments. The replacement of 25% of the granite aggregate with laterite aggregate resulted in a 12.44% increase in the strength of M30-grade concrete after 28 days. The composite's compressive strength decreases when the replacement level exceeds 25%. The split tensile and flexural strengths of the composite showed an increase of 14.54% and 16.93%, respectively, compared to the control mix. Furthermore, the test outcomes for durability factors like drying shrinkage and rapid chloride penetration in steel fiber reinforced fly ash-based lateritic concrete mixes with a 50% replacement rate adhere to the prescribed standards, verifying their designed performance over the designated structural lifespan. However, after multiple regression analysis, it is found that the error related to the correlation between experimental and analytical value strength is about 5%. Microstructural studies of the ideal mix were performed at 28 days to further understand the morphology of the laterized concrete containing fly ash and steel fiber.

Functional parametric influence on glutaminase free l-asparaginase production by Amycolatopsis thermoflava SFMA-103

l-Asparaginase (l-ASNase) is a well known chemotherapeutic enzyme, to treat different neoplasms, especially in treating Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) of children and adults. However, production of glutaminase free l-ASNase is the central area of research to produce cytotoxicity free L-ASNases in the cancer therapeutics. The present study explored the potential glutaminase free l-ASNase production from rare actinobacterium, Amycolatopsis thermoflava SFMA-103 isolated from agricultural field soils. The attention of the enzyme production was sequentially optimized using various methods starting from One-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) to Taguchi orthogonal array (OA) experimental design (DOE). Four critical factors, pH, temperature, arabinose and yeast extract were identified initially, hence, three levels with a layout of L9 (34) were used and further processed with Qualitek-4 software. Upon validation an enhanced enzyme production of 68.55% was observed (from 10 IU −1 min−1 to 31.8 IU −1 min−1). As far as our knowledge extends, glutaminase-free l-ASNase production is the first time report from Amycolatopsis thermoflava SFMA-103. Further, scale-up studies were performed using bench scale bioreactor (5L capacity) with the statistically optimized conditions (aeration of 0.5 VVM and agitation of 150 rpm at 40 °C) resulted in an improved enzyme production to the level of 132.69% (61.6 IU −1 min−1) with an incubation period of 66 h. Taguchi methods for scale-up studies of l-ASNase proves useful in bioprocess optimization with minor experimental set up, saving cost and time consumption is low.

Development of uniform fenofibrate-loaded biodegradable microparticle by membrane emulsification

Fenofibrate has shown therapeutic effects on diabetic retinopathy. However, fenofibrate can be rapidly cleared from the eye after a single intravitreal injection. Here, we aim to develop fenofibrate loaded PLGA microparticles (Feno-MP) with high drug loading and sustained in vitro release up to 6 months suitable for intravitreal injection. First, orthogonal array experimental design was applied for formulation optimization. The selected formulation parameters were used to formulate Feno-MP using homogenization method and direct membrane emulsification method. Both methods generated Feno-MP with high drug loading and sustained in vitro drug release more than 140 days. Unlike the polydisperse Feno-MP prepared using homogenization method, membrane emulsification method generated Feno-MP with uniform size distribution. By controlling the membrane pore size, 1.5 µm, 8 µm and 16 µm Feno-MP were formulated and we found that larger Feno-MP demonstrated higher drug loading, more sustained drug release in vitro with less burst drug release than the smaller Feno-MP. In conclusion, we developed Feno-MP with high drug loading and sustained release profile, and elucidated that changing the particle size could have notable impacts on drug loading and release kinetics. Formulating Feno-MP with uniform size distribution by membrane emulsification method would benefit the batch-to-batch repeatability.

Design development of coal-based fly ash geopolymer brick using orthogonal array design of experiment

ABSTRACT The world produces billions of fired-clay bricks annually, but their manufacturing process adversely affects the environment. The present article investigates the alternative and sustainable approach for manufacturing coal-based fly ash geopolymer bricks by L9 orthogonal array design of experiment. Three factors and three levels were considered against a single response. The physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of bricks were evaluated and reported in the paper. The optimal ratio to produce fly ash geopolymer brick was 12 Molarity (M) NaOH solution, 2.5 alkaline solution ratio (ASR), and 60°C curing temperature (CT). The experiment’s confirmation and prediction were made and found within the limit. The significance of different levels of factors in enhancing the strength of brick specimens was analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) through a General Linear Model. The results indicated that Molarity, ASR, and CT were the crucial factors in improving the strength of the brick specimens. Moreover, to investigate the morphology, mineralogy, phase structure, and thermal resistance of the brick specimens, microstructural properties such as Field Emission Scanning Electron microscopy (FESEM) – Energy dispersive spectra (EDS), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) were carried out and reported in the paper.

Optimizing the water absorption behaviour and natural weathering resistance of compatibilized ironwood-based recycled polypropylene composites

This study focused on the optimization of material resistance of wood-plastic composite (WPC) made using recycled polypropylene and industrial ironwood residues toward water and natural weathering exposure. The Taguchi method was employed to optimize the WPC composition and manufacturing process parameters based on the L9 orthogonal array experimental design. The WPC specimens were prepared using two-step of extrusion compounding and compression moulding. As input process parameters, ironwood content, coupling agent content, moulding temperature, and pressure holding time have been taken into consideration. The results were then optimized to get the maximum tensile properties of strength and modulus of elasticity as well as minimum water-weight gain and discolouration area after exposure to water immersion and natural weathering. The grey relational analysis (GRA) was carried out to identify the most significant factors and optimal levels that work synergistically to produce enhanced results. For optimizing the performance after water uptake, the ironwood content and moulding temperature are the most significant parameters with percentage contributions of 48.71% and 43.16%, respectively. Meanwhile, the multi-objective optimization technique of GRA obtains that ironwood content is the most significant factor for optimizing the mechanical and physical performance of the WPC after exposure to natural weathering with a percentage contribution of about 71%. Considering the good resistance of the material toward environmental exposure, this study opens up a pathway to effectively utilize ironwood and recycled polymer waste as a sustainable composite material in outdoor applications.

Parametric Optimization of Powder-Mixed EDM of AA2014/Si3N4/Mg/Cenosphere Hybrid Composites Using Fuzzy Logic: Analysis of Mechanical, Machining, Microstructural, and Morphological Characterizations

This research focuses on a comprehensive exploration of the experimental and mechanical aspects of the electrical discharge machining (EDM) process, specifically targeting the machining characteristics of AA2014/Si3N4/Mg/cenosphere hybrid composites. The aim is to optimize the process parameters for enhanced machining performance through a combination of testing, optimization, and modelling methodologies. The study examines the effects of key EDM variables—peak current, pulse on time, and pulse off time—on critical output responses: surface roughness (Ra), electrode wear rate (EWR), and material removal rate (MRR). Leveraging an L9 Taguchi orthogonal array experimental design, the impact of controllable factors on these responses is analysed. An integrated approach utilizing MATLAB’s logic toolbox and Mamdani’s technique is employed to model the EDM process, and a multiple-response performance index is calculated using fuzzy logic theory, enabling multiobjective optimizations. Furthermore, a mechanical behaviour evaluation of AA2014/Si3N4/Mg/cenosphere hybrid composites is performed through mechanical testing, with a comparison between experimental machining results and predicted values. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveal the presence of filler reinforcements within the base alloy, displaying an improved microstructure and uniform reinforcement dispersion. An X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms the major elemental constituents—aluminium, silicon, and magnesium—in the hybrid composites. A microstructural analysis of the hybrid metal matrix composites (MMCs) prepared for EDM showcases closely packed reinforcement structures, circular ash-coloured spots indicating silicon and nitrates, and a fine dispersion of cenosphere reinforcement particles. The study’s outcomes demonstrate a promising application potential for these hybrid composites in various fields.

Maize cob (Zea mays) as natural biomass sorbent for crude oil biosorptive removal from contaminated seawater: Taguchi process optimization and biosorptive removal mechanism.

Crude oil pollution poses a serious threat to the aquatic environment. Hence, there is an increasing interest in developing an efficient cleaner process technique for oil spill cleanup via agricultural biomass waste-organic sorbent utilization. This work evaluated the effects of independent biosorptive removal at three varying levels (initial concentration of crude oil (Z1, 7.8-15.6 g/L), seawater-oil temperature (Z2, 25-45 °C), sorbent dose (Z3, 1-3 g), and sorbent particle size diameter (Z4, 1.18-4.72 mm)) on the biosorptive removal efficiency and biosorptive capacity performance of maize cob sorbent for crude oil biosorptive removal from seawater. Experiments were designed based on Taguchi orthogonal array experimental design (L9(34)) to study the effects and process optimization. The results revealed that the maize cob sorbent's crude oil biosorptive removal efficiency is related to Z1, Z3, and Z4, while the biosorptive capacity is related to Z1 and Z3. The optimum biosorptive removal efficiency and the biosorptive capacity values were 96.53% and 12.64 g/g, respectively, achieved at optimum factors of Z1 (7.8 g/L), Z3 (3 g), and Z4 (1.18 mm), as well as at Z1 (15.6 g) and Z3 (1 g). The isotherm and kinetic data, respectively, followed the Langmuir isotherms and the pseudo-second-order kinetics with a maximum monolayer biosorptive capacity of 23.31 g g-1. The mechanism of biosorptive crude oil removal was by physical sorption and film diffusion control. Therefore, the maize cob represents an inexpensive and effective natural sorbent for oil spill removal from water bodies.

An investigation on the use algae-based material for the production of reusable bioplastic bags: A Mauritian case study

The Government of Mauritius has come up with new regulations in an attempt to ban the use of petroleum based plastics bags so as to protect the environment. Hence it is important to find substitute materials to achieve this goal set by the government. Interestingly though, Mauritius being an island with a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), there is an abundancy of seaweeds, which is an interesting avenue to explore. The unexploited seaweed in the waters surrounding Mauritius remains a remarkably potential raw material for the manufacture of an alternative to petro-plastics, especially polypropylene non-woven bags, in the form of reusable and fully biodegradable bioplastic bags. This research attempts to investigate the use of algae, mainly Gracilaria Salicornia and Ulva lactuca as a potential; raw material for the production of reusable bioplastic bags through Taguchi optimisation method for the culling of optimum constituent wt.%. For the preparation of the biofilm to be solution casted, cassava starch, algae powder, glycerol and acetic acid were selected as controllable factors. The Taguchi L9 orthogonal array experimental design plan was considered for carrying out the experiments. The responses analysed were the tensile strength, water absorption, biodegradation and water vapour permeability. A maximum tensile strength and degradation of 7.325 MPa and 91.32% respectively were achieved from Taguchi optimal conditions. A maximum water absorption and minimum water vapour permeability of 60.3 % and 3.0181 g/h.m2 respectively were evaluated from the experiments. Contribution of factors to the responses were determined through analysis of variance. Furthermore, regression models and contour plots were developed for predicting the best combination which was determined to be 8 % (w/v) starch, 3 % (w/v) algae, 1 % (w/v) glycerol and 8 % (w/v) acetic. An Ulva lactuca blend was experimented to act as substitute for cassava starch, achieving a tensile strength and water absorption of 3.578 MPa and 175.0 % respectively. Compared to other materials, used for bag production, available on the market, the mechanical properties of the developed algae-based material showed its potential as a replacement with some having much higher tensile strength confirming its successful usage.

Effects of machining parameters on H13 die steel using CNC drilling machine

In order to enhance the fitness of the product and in order to improve productivity in turning operations, greater amount of challenges have been faced. In this paper, we have made a comparative analysis of HSS and carbide coated HSS drills while machining with H13 steel plates. For the drilling operation, process parameters were analysed using the Taguchi design of experiments. The response performance characteristics of surface roughness of H13 die steel plates for the drilling settings, cutting speed (rpm), and feed rate (mm/min) is optimized. The design of the experiment was conducted using the Taguchi technique for the L18 orthogonal array, and an analysis of variance was observed. The effect of drilling settings on the quality of drilled holes is examined; variation in surface roughness for various levels of speed and feed and the different combinations of these levels will form an L18 orthogonal array design of experiment by Taguchi analysis. A total of 36 cutting tests were performed with two different drill bits; here three different cutting speeds of 300, 600, and 900 rpm were taken with a feed rate of 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06 mm/rev combinations. The response of SN ratio for surface roughness of HSS and carbide tool has been found out for different levels of speed and feed. From this Taguchi analysis, it is identified that the optimal parameter. As a result, the factors are analysed, and optimized parameters have been concluded for H13 material using HSS, and carbide tools were examined both statistically and experimentally. The carbide coated drill bit gives 60% better surface roughness value based on experimental data obtained. The surface roughness value based on experimentation for HSS tool was found to be 34.16% and carbide coated drill bit was 23.40%.