Optimal route to robust hybridization of banana-coir fibre particulate in polymer matrix for automotive applications

The study investigated optimal route to robust hybridization of banana-coir fibre particulate in polymer matrix for application in automotive component design and production. Test samples for initial material characterization were produced by classical hand lay-up technique in accordance with relevant ASTM standards. The plan of 20 experimental runs was completed utilizing Central Composite Design. The control factors used in the process include particle size (x₁), volume fraction (x₂) and stirring time (x₃), while tensile strength (y₁) and flexural strength (y₂) are the selected response variables. The governing mathematical inequalities for the experiments include250μm≤x₁≤3350μm, 12%≤x₂≤45%and 70sec.≤x₃≤90sec. Data obtained showed slight curvilinear profile and was fitted to a second order quadratic model through the application of the least square method. The model adequacy was tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) by comparing the p-value at 0.05 significance level. Multi response numerical optimization was conducted using desirability function in Design-Expert 8. Microscopic characterization was carried out using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. An optimal route was found at 3329.40 μm particle size, 45.00% volume fraction and 88.88 s stirring time. At these conditions, tensile strength was 20 MPa and flexural strength was 48 MPa. The optimized banana-coir fibre particulate composite (BCFPC) was thereafter deployed in the production of replacement car window regulator handle (RCWRH). The stress analysis of the RCWRH indicated that stress and deformation are within linear range with no evidence of material failure.