Optimization of Hardness Strengths Response of Plantain Fibers Reinforced Polyester Matrix Composites (PFRP) Applying Taguchi Robust Design

Volume fraction of fibers (A), aspect ratio of fibers (B) and fibers orientation (C) are considered as control factors in the determination of hardness strength of plantain fiber reinforced polyestercomposites (PFR P). These properties were determined for plantain empty fruit bunch (PEFB) and plantain pseudo stem (PPS). Hardness tests were conducted on the replicated samples of PEFB fiber reinforced polyester composite and PPS fiber reinforced polyester respectively using Archimedesprinciples in each case to determine the volume fraction of fibers. Taguchi robust design technique wasapplied for the greater the better to obtain the highest signal to noise ratio (SN ratio) for the quality characteristics being investigated. The empty fruit bunch fiber reinforced polyester matrix composite has the maximum hardness strength of 19.062N/mm2 and a mean design strength of 17.978N/mm2,while the pseudo stem plantain fiber reinforced matrix composite has the maximum hardness strength of 18.655 N/mm2 and a mean design strength of 18.0385N/mm2. The properties studied depend greatly on the reinforcement combinations of control factors.

Keywords:

Composite Matrix , Plantain Fiber , Robust Design , Hardness Strength , Taguchi