Optimization of Tensile Strength of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Graphene Nanocomposites Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize the tensile strength of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/graphene nanocomposites. The interaction between four variables was studied and modeled. The statistical analysis of the results showed that graphene loading and temperature had a significant effect on tensile strength. Quadratic model was obtained and developed to correlate the process parameter to the tensile strength. The optimum combination predicted via RSM was confirmed through experiment and in good agreement with experimental values. The model was able to accurately predict the response of tensile strength with less than 2% error.

Keywords:

• Nanocomposites
• Poly(lactic acid)
• Response Surface Methodology