Modeling and parameters optimization of biocomposite using box-Behnken response surface methodology

Abstract

The primary objective of this work includes modeling and optimization of the mechanical properties of natural fiber biocomposites using three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD). In this context, the effect of three independent performance parameters; pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) length, fiber content, and polyethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride (MAPE) compatibilizer load have been investigated on the mechanical properties of PALF/HDPE/MAPE biocomposite. The sequential model sum of squares, lack of fit, and normal probability plots showed a good agreement in between the experimental results and those predicted by mathematical models (95% confidence level). The optimization results obtained in Design-Expert software revealed that the most optimal value of tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength as 32.35 MPa, 1475 MPa, 49.21 MPa, 1659.04 MPa, and 58.24 J/m respectively, at fiber length of 13.67 mm, PALF content of 16.84 wt.%, and MAPE load of 2.95 wt.%. In order to verify the mathematical models, the validation tests were also performed which showed that the response surface methodology (RSM) based BBD and ANOVA tools are adequate for analytically evaluating the performance of biocomposites.