Hybrid Taguchi-TOPSIS optimization to determine optimal mechanical properties of jute/hemp fiber reinforced composite
摘要
In this study, the multi-objective optimization of selected mechanical properties of polyester composite plates, produced using hemp and jute fibers in the same structure, were investigated using the Taguchi-TOPSIS method. Hemp and jute natural fibers were incorporated at weight ratios of 30%, 50%, and 70%, with two different arrangements and two surface modification treatments applied to reinforce the composites. Polyester resin was used as the matrix material. Taguchi L18 mixed 2–3 level orthogonal experimental design was employed in the experimental plan. The selected mechanical properties included impact strength, flexural modulus, flexural strength, tensile modulus, and tensile strength. In the study, the optimum levels of the factors corresponding to the best mechanical properties were identified, and the optimal composite plate was determined. The resulting composite was a fiber-reinforced polyester composite treated with 3% NaOH, arranged in a Jute/Hemp/Hemp/Jute layer sequence, with a total fiber weight ratio of 30%. The mechanical properties of this composite were as follows: impact strength of 2.1 kJ/m2, flexural strength of 55.17 MPa, flexural modulus 2.75 GPa, tensile strength of 29.06 MPa and tensile modulus 733.56 MPa. The SEM images showed that 3% NaOH application provided effective bonding at the fiber-matrix interface and preserved the structural integrity of the fibers.