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

Volume fraction of fibres (A), aspect ratio of fibres (B) and fibres orientation (C) are considered as control factors in the determination of hardness strength, hardness strength of plantain fiber reinforced polyester composites (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 Archimedes principles in each case to determine the volume fraction of fibers. To obtain the optimum properties being investigated a Monsanto tensometer were used to establish the control factor levels quality characteristics needed to optimize the mechanical properties being investigated. Taguchi robust design technique was applied for the greater the better to obtain the highest signal to noise ratio (SN ratio) for the quality characteristics being investigated employing Minitab 15 software. The optimum values of the control factors are established for empty fruit bunch composites and for pseudo stem fiber composite. 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.