Multi-objective optimization of mechanical properties of chemically treated bio-based composites using response surface methodology

Eco-friendly surface treatment of natural fibers using sodium acetate (CH3COONa) affects the mechanical properties of the developed composites in many ways. In present study, geometrically different kenaf fiber mats (bidirectional (BC), unidirectional (UD) and randomly oriented (RO) were treated at different concentration (10, 15 and 20 percentage w/w) of sodium acetate aqueous solution for varying time (24, 48 and 72 hr.) at room temperature. PLA (Poly-Lactic Acid) was used for the fabrication of treated fiber reinforced bio-degradable composites. The influence of above parameters on mechanical properties were studied. Response surface methodology (RSM) module face centered central composite design was employed for the development of regression models. The relationship between chemical treatment parameters and mechanical responses were predicted by quadratic model. In this study, predicted model was developed for two numerical factors (chemical concentration (CC) and treatment time (TT)) and one categorical factor (type of mat (TOM)). Tensile strength (TS), flexural strength (FS) and impact strength (IS) are considered as response variables. The statistical analysis showed that chemical concentration, treatment time and kenaf mat type have individually and interactively influenced the response of experiments. Chemical concentration was found to be the most influencing factor among all for the changes in mechanical properties. Optimization of input variables was done based on predicted model within bounded reason of responses.