Mechanical properties and optimization of processing parameters for epoxy/glass fiber reinforced composites

Composites are extensively used because of their high strength to weight ratio. Moreover, the use of versatile synthetic fiber in preparation of the composites with concern toward the environment issues has led to develop composites using glass fiber reinforced. In the present paper, glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites are synthesized considering three factors viz. epoxy to hardener ratio, curing temperature and fiber percentage to study the tensile behavior of the composites. The experiments were conducted based on Taguchi L9 orthogonal array considering three design parameters. The experimental data were analyzed using Taguchi optimization technique and optimum combinations of process parameters values for tensile strength was determined. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to obtain the significance of factors affecting the tensile strength. It was observed from the analysis that the percentage of fiber has more significant effect on tensile strength at 95% confidence level. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.