Optimization of mechanical characteristics of jute-basalt reinforced epoxy hybrid composites using the Taguchi process

This paper investigates the effect of process parameters on the mechanical properties of a novel composite reinforced with natural fibre. The L27 array based on Taguchi was used to frame the experimental work and individually optimize performance characteristics. To understand their effect on mechanical properties, including tensile, flexural and hardness, jute, basalt, Polyurethane and orientation were chosen. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to study the relative importance of the mechanical properties of the individual factor. The combination of basalt, jute, orientation, and Polyurethane has been observed to exert a significant influence on both tensile and flexural strength. Both expected outcomes agreed well with experimental outcomes at a confidence level of 95%. It is noted that the suggested natural fibre-reinforced composite has superior strength compared to other composites based on e-glass and carbon fibres. It is also found that tensile strength and flexural strength are strongest when the jute fibre’s orientation is at 45°, which is further found that the strength of the prepared composite is independent of the thickness.