Improvement of quality characteristics of an epoxy-based composite reinforced with Sisal (Agave Sissalana) plant fibre for wind turbine blade material using Taguchi grey relational analysis

Natural fibres are possible substitutes for glass fibre in composite production because of their light weight, ease and biodegradability. The present study involves the use Taguchi grey relational analysis to optimize process parameters an epoxy based reinforced with sisal fibre. optimized Percentage by weight reinforcement, curing temperature, post time compounding pressure. A L16 orthogonal array was designed sixteen experimental runs were performed on experiments. Tensile strength flexural modulus (stiffness) recorded each experiment average responses computed from analysis. From response table grades, optimal set enhanced tensile performance sisal-epoxy identified be 35% fibre, 1100C 1hr 13MPa An variance (ANOVA) conducted identify predominant factor established that percentage W has highest effect 61 % GRG. optimum material had following values, Ultimate Strength 27.22 MPa, Flexural 51.84 MPa. DMA results showed a transition temperature 61.90C.