Effect of fabrication parameters on strength of natural fiber polypropylene composites: Statistical assessment

• Published in: Measurement : journal of the International Measurement Confederation Vol. 146; pp. 195 - 207
• Main Authors: Alzebdeh, Khalid I., Nassar, Mahmoud M.A., Arunachalam, Ramanathan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2019; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Bio-composite; Carbon fibers; Composite materials; Design of experiments; DoE; Fiber volume fraction; Hand lay-up; Mechanical properties; Microstructure; Natural fiber; Needles; Optimization; Polymer matrix composites; Process parameters; Processing; Response surface methodology; Samples; Statistical methods; Tensile strength; Bio-composite; DoE; Natural fiber; Optimization; Processing
• ISSN: 0263-2241; 1873-412X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2019.06.012

•Two types of bio-composite has been fabricated by hand layup method.•15 runs of each fabricated composite were designed in accordance with Design of Experiment (DoE).•Strength was measured using experimental setup.•Effect of processing parameters on strength was statistically modeled via DoE.
This paper presents a statistically assessed processing and experimental characterization of mechanical strength of two types of natural fiber polymer composites reinforced with date palm fronds and pine needles. Fifteen bio-composites samples were fabricated per the Design of Experiment (DoE) using a simple hand lay-up method. The experimental design of bio-composite specimens includes three fabrication parameters with three levels for each parameter. These include fiber volume fraction (10, 30, and 50 vt.%), fiber length (10, 30, and 50 mm), and Alkali treatment (1, 2, and 3 wt%). The tensile and flexural strengths were evaluated in accordance with ASTM standards for all samples. Also, Response Surface Methodology approach was utilized to analyze the combined effect of interacting processing parameters on response. SEM analysis of untreated and treated fibers and tested bio-composites revealed that proper alkali treatment of fibers has a high impact on bonding between fiber and surrounding matrix.