Multi‐objective optimization of post‐curing process for GNPs reinforced glass fabric/epoxy nanocomposite laminae

Post‐curing processes are fundamental manufacturing operations for epoxy matrix composites from which high‐quality parts are produced and see service in a great variety of industrial applications. Although many parameters affect these processes, only temperature is considered as affecting factor in most of the relevant studies. In this study, a multi‐parameter design of experiments, using Taguchi method, has been conducted in order to investigate the optimum post‐curing conditions for graphene nanoplatelets reinforced glass fabric/epoxy nanocomposite laminae. Both post‐curing temperature T_pc and time t_pc were treated as independent variables in a L9 Taguchi orthogonal array addressing three levels each. Ultimate tensile strength and strain at break were examined as pre‐selected quality objectives. Through the multiple regression analysis performed, a highly accurate regression model was achieved for both optimization criteria. Finally, a multi‐objective optimization genetic algorithm was used for the above models. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2483–E2489, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers