Multi-objective Optimization of Sansevieria Trifasciata Fiber Reinforced Vinyl Ester (STF/VE) Bio-composites for the Sustainable Automotive Industry

Abstract

Bio-composite materials have taken an extensive interest in research over the years due to their excellent properties, such as excellent mechanical and physical properties, stiffness, and low density/lightweight. The exceptional properties of bio-composite materials have had a widespread application in several industries, such as; the packaging industry, construction, automotive, and other related engineering fields. This research investigates mechanical, physical, and microstructure properties of Sansevieria Trifasciata (STE) natural fiber, -reinforced Vinyl Ester (STF/VE) bio-composite. The mechanical and physical properties of STF/VE bio-composites, including the tensile strength and density, are investigated through fibre preparation, orientation, and fibre volume fraction parameters. The STF/VE bio-composite tensile strength coupon is manufactured using the bio-composite transfer moulding (BTM) process and with pressure moulding. The Taguchi experimental design and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are selected to investigate the effect of variables on the mechanical properties model. The alkali preparation of STF, unidirectional fibre orientation, and fibre volume fraction improve tensile strength. Non-alkali treatment and random fibre orientatio, on the other hand, result in a reduction of density. The results of the ANOVA analysis show that the fibre volume fraction (wt.%) is the variable that most significantly affects the tensile strength and density responses, with contributions of 50.57% of tensile strength and 51.34% of density, respectively. Based on the optimization results, the STF/VE with alkali treatment, unidirectional, and 15 w.t.% is chosen as the best bio-composite formulation, with the best tensile strength-density balance. It indicates that the optimum parameter was successfully achieved among the samples examined in this work.