Analysis of the Effect of Parameters on Fracture Toughness of Bioplastic-Based Starch Reinforcements in Washintonia Fiber and Date Palm Fiber Using Taguchi Method

Abstract

In this study, Washingtonian and date palm fibers of different lengths and weights were used as reinforcement materials for starch-based bioplastics, and then the Toughness module of the manufactured samples was measured. It has been discovered that composites reinforced with Washingtonia fibers have greater continuity of Toughness module and resistance compared to composites reinforced with date palm fibers. The difference becomes more apparent when compared to the starch matrix, as the Toughness module of the composites reinforced with Washingtonian fibers improved by 2.3 compared to the starch matrix (Biop). As for the composites reinforced with date palm fiber, it improved by 1.64 compared to the starch matrix (Biop). The Taguchi method was applied to optimize the fiber length, and fiber weight ratio, of bioplastic starch-based fiber reinforced composite. The effect of fiber weight percentage at three levels (2, 5, and 8 wt%) and fiber length at three levels (5, 15, and 25 mm) on fracture toughness was studied using L9 orthogonal arrays. Optimal conditions were found with 2 wt% fiber and 5 mm fiber length. The fracture toughness under optimal conditions was 32,7944 kJ/m2 for specimens reinforced with Washingtonian fibers (BWS2), and the value reached 23,8722 kg/m2 for specimens reinforced with date palm fibers (BPS2).