Abstract
Composites that have a good to lower weight ratio can be used to replace conventionally used Engineering Materials. The properties of natural fibers are almost equal to that of artificial fibres. Natural fibers can be used in many applications and is also a cost-effective material. Bagasse fibre reinforced with dry palm kernel fibre powder is used to improve mechanical properties and fabricated in plate form. In this research work, the input constraints that have been used to fabricate the plate are 10, 20, 30 wt% of bagasse fibre, 10, 20, 30 wt% of palm kernel fibre, at 10, 15, 20 MPa compression pressure and 2, 4, 6 mm of speciemn thickness respectively. The optimization has been performed by Taguchi L27 orthogonal array and influence of output parameters viz. Tensile Strength (MPa), Flexural Strength (MPa) and Hardness (Hv) have been measured by using statistical analysis of variance. The multi-criteria decision making of the output parameters has been performed by Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). This research offers new insight into decision-making, particularly in the optimization part, to increase the strength and mechanical property of natural fiber composites.
Keywords: vinyl ester resin; bagasse fibre; palm kernel fibre; TOPSIS; Taguchi; ANOVA