Investigation on the development and characterization of barkcloth-velvetleaf fiber composites using Taguchi-grey relational analysis for sustainable food packaging applications

Abstract The rising demand for biodegradable and sustainable packaging materials has generated delicate interest in natural fiber composites, with barkcloth-velvetleaf fiber composites providing a renewable alternative for food packaging applications. This research seeks to formulate and refine these composites to attain improved mechanical characteristics, moisture resistance, and non-toxicity for sustainable packaging solutions. The composites were produced following Taguchi’s L₉ Orthogonal Array (OA) design, with Fiber Orientation (FO), NaOH Treatment (NT), Fiber-to-Matrix Ratio (FMR), and Binder Concentration (BC) as principal variables. Mechanical characterization was executed in accordance with ASTM standards for tensile and flexural assessments, while microstructural and chemical evaluations were carried out utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX). The Taguchi Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) were utilized for data analysis and optimization. Optimum tensile strength of 27.985 MPa and flexural strength of 35.321 MPa were attained using parameter configurations. SEM and EDS demonstrated improved fiber-matrix adhesion, while moisture resistance and non-toxicity confirmed the composites’ appropriateness for humid conditions. The research illustrates the viability of barkcloth-velvetleaf fiber composites as sustainable, non-toxic packaging materials, enhancing environmentally acceptable food packaging options.