Optimization of Bamboo Fibre Reinforcement in Green Composites using Response Surface Methodology

AbstractBamboo is an ancient structural material used for a variety of applications in India. Bamboo iswidely used in the global south for frames, bridges, housing, and transitory structures. Bamboosupply has been effectively inexpensive as well as plentiful in global south countries to meet thewidespread need for affordable housing. The current research focuses on the mechanicalproperties of bamboo fibre reinforced polymer composite materials for use in structuralindustries. Current study aims to optimize a composite with optimal tensile strength. A 3 level 2factor full factorial design was prepared considering % bamboo fibre loading as factor A anddiameter of bamboo fibre as factor B. The study evaluated the impact of factor A and B onultimate tensile strength, Rockwell hardness and % elongation at break. The optimized regionwas prepared keeping the ultimate tensile strength to 35-40MPa, rockwell hardness in the regionof 30-35 and the % elongation to 2-2.5%. Prepared optimized batch was then validated bycomparing predicted and observed response values.