Experimental determination and modelling of the mechanical properties of hybrid abaca-reinforced polymer composite using RSM

Hybrid natural fibre polymer composites have attracted attention of research community owing to their better mechanical properties as compared to conventional materials. Besides being inexpensive, natural fibres are eco-friendly in nature. In past literature, abaca has shown tremendous potential for its suitability in structural applications. Present work deals with mechanical characterization and modelling of hybrid abaca epoxy composites with red mud as filler. Hybrid composites were prepared by hand lay-up technique. Experiments were designed based on full factorial method having three control parameters, namely weight percentage of abaca (2.6, 5.26 and 7.9 wt%), weight percentage of red mud (4, 8 and 12 wt%) and particle size of red mud (68, 82 and 98 µm). Flexural and impact strength of composites were evaluated. Mathematical models for flexural and impact strength of hybrid abaca composites were developed using response surface method. Developed models for mechanical properties of composite were analysed using analysis of variance to recognize the significance of control parameters or input variables on the mechanical properties of hybrid composites. Moreover, interaction effects of input variables on flexural and impact strength of hybrid composites were also investigated. Developed model also enables us to predict mechanical properties of hybrid composites.