Optimization and Modeling of Performance Parameters in Injection Moulding of Plantain Fibre Reinforced High Density Polyethylene (PFRHDPE) for Impact Responses Evaluation

Abstract

This research work reports the optimization and modeling of injection moulding parameters in the production of plantain fibre particles reinforced high density polyethylene (PFRHDPE) for impact responses evaluation. Composite materials have some limitations, and one of the most significant is their response to localized impact loading. The injection moulding process was designed using Taguchi robust design of experiment. Eight performance parameters were considered as control factors affecting the responses with the volume fraction of the fibre particulates being the only non-machine related parameter. The composite materials produced were prepared with three different particle sizes of the reinforcing plantain particulates. The optimization and modeling process for the impact responses evaluation was carried out through a classical use of two independent experimental approaches which we named integrated Taguchi-Response Surface Method (TRSM). This TRSM did optimally analyze the ultimate impact strength of plantain fibre particle filled HDPE matrix. The developed second order linear regression models for these composites were significant at the chosen 95% confidence interval, hence showing full response predictability.