Statistical Analysis and Particle Swarm Based Optimization of Mechanical Properties of Rice Husk and Termite Mound Soil Impregnated Coir–Polyester Composites

Abstract

The tensile, flexural and impact properties of rice husk and termite mound soil particle impregnated coir fiber-polyester composites were evaluated in order to introduce a new variety of bio particulated natural fiberpolymer composites. In this investigation the problem of matrix cracking which causes quick failure of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites was solved by matrix strengthening using inclusion of bio particulates. The interlaminar bond between constituents of composites was studied using SEM images. The effects of fiber length, particulate content and fiber content on mechanical properties of rice husk and termite mound soil impregnated coir-polyester composites were analyzed using correlation and regression analysis procedures. The statistical interference techniques namely Weibull distribution was used to validate the mechanical properties of the composites. The optimum fabrication parameters for better mechanical properties were envisaged using particle swarm optimization.