MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION OF THE PROCESS PARAMETERS USING HYBRID TAGUCHI-GREY RELATIONAL ANALYSIS OF BASALT/JUTE FIBER-REINFORCED COMPOSITES

Abstract

Natural fibers that are good for the environment are being used more around the world as reinforcement in the making of lightweight, low-cost polymer composites. Basalt fiber is one such natural fiber currently utilized since it is inexpensive and offers superior qualities to synthetic fibers. This study evaluates Basalt/jute fiber-reinforced composite mechanical properties such as impact and energy strengths. Nine samples are prepared based on three parameters viz different wt % of basalt fiber (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%), sonication time (20, 30, and 40 mins) and temperature (60°C, 70°C, and 80°C). Mechanical characteristics such as impact strength and quasi-static energy absorption strength are examined. The process parameters are optimized by employing a hybrid Taguchi grey relationship analysis. The experimental runs are carried out based on L9 orthogonal array. The results show that experimental trials could give optimized output. To evaluate the outcomes of the Taguchi optimization and analysis of variance, experimental tests are also carried out. The microscopical analysis revealed that the basalt fibers strongly adhere to the jute fibers, while the jute fibers have weak adhesion to epoxy.