Optimization of Natural Fiber Composite Parameter Using Taguchi Approach

The Taguchi’s method is a statistical tool to design and process optimization for achieving quality of product. Natural fibre composition is a brilliant option for the most widely applied fibre in the composite innovation. The advantages of natural fibre composites are renewable, environmental friendly, low cost, low density, flexibility of usage and tend to decompose (biodegradability). Since there are hundreds fibre that could be utilized in natural fibre composite, optimization in design of experiment is a promising in fabricating natural fiber composite. Taguchi’s method is used within this study whiche it can reduce the time consumed rather than doing all the experiment instead. The point of this project is to understand and study parameters of composite from three options of fibre, volume ratio and matrix against the tensile stress. From these parameters, it can show the optimum level that produces the highest strength against tensile load. The best combination obtained from the result of Taguchi’s method for each parameter are Kenaf fibre, 55:45 fraction of volume ratio, and ‘Bisphenol A epoxy resin’ matrix (Miracast epoxy 1517). This composition gives the highest tensile stress value of 30.5277 MPa.