Optimization of Process Parameters for Fabrication of Wool Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites with Respect to Mechanical Properties

Abstract

The present study focused optimizing the process parameters of compression molding with respect to mechanical properties for fabrication of wool fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites. An experiment was designed using the Box-Behnken method with three levels and three variables using temperature, time, and pressure, as independent variables and tensile, flexural, and impact strengths as dependent variables. The process conditions were optimized using response surface methodology with the Box-Behnken experimental design. Regression equations were obtained to analyze tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength and the optimum process parameters were identified. The results show that the optimum conditions for compression molding are 176°C, 7 min, and 35 bar.