Optimization of process variables for tensile properties of bagasse fiber-reinforced composites using response surface methodology

The present study relates to manufacturing, characterization and optimization of bagasse fiber reinforced composites. For this purpose, response surface methodology was applied to simultaneously optimize the tensile strength, tensile modulus and tensile strain of bagasse fiber reinforced composites. Three levels of process variables, including concentration of sodium hydroxide for bagasse fiber treatment (4, 6, and 8%), content of bagasse fiber (10, 20, and 30 wt%), and length of bagasse fiber (1, 2, and 3 inch) were used to design the experiments according to the Box–Behnken design. Experimental results were analyzed by analysis of variance and fitted to second order polynomial models by using multiple regression analysis. The Derringer’s desirability function revealed that the values of process variables leading to optimized tensile strength, tensile modulus and tensile strain are 4%, 14.2 wt% and 1 inch for concentration of NaOH for bagasse fiber treatment, content of bagasse fiber and length of bagasse fiber, respectively. Validation experiments were carried out and high degree of correlation was found between the actual values and the predicted values of tensile properties of bagasse fiber reinforced composites.