An application of Taguchi method for fabrication factors optimisation of banyan aerial root fibre reinforced polymer composite

ABSTRACT

Composite materials have always attracted interest from researchers as well as end-users at the same time, due to its flexibility and low cost. Our present study deals with the possible usage of natural fibres extracted from the banyan tree (Ficus Benghalensis) for engineering applications. Epoxy resin (Araldite LY 556) and anhydride hardener (HY 917) are used as the matrix to fabricate the composite panel. In this research work, 30% of fibre derived from banyan aerial root has been reinforced with 70% of polymer mat to study for its mechanical properties such as tensile strength and flexural strength. The processing of the composite materials is done by hand layup process at room temperature. Later specimens are cut from the prepared composite laminates according to the ASTM 3039 (tensile) and ASTM D790 (flexural) Standards. Finally, the Fractography of the mechanically tested specimens was analysed using FESEM.

KEYWORDS:

• Banyan aerial roots
• polymer matrix composites
• hand layup
• FESEM
• mechanical properties

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Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.