Investigating Mechanical Properties of Jute Fiber and Alumina-Reinforced Epoxy Composites: Application of Taguchi and Grey Analysis for Automotive Components

Natural fiber composites hold significant promise for a range of engineering applications due to their exceptional characteristics, which include substantial weight reduction, high strength, and cost-effectiveness. These materials are also biodegradable and renewable, adding to their appeal in sustainable engineering practices. This research focuses on evaluating the mechanical properties of jute fiber and AlO3-reinforced polymer composites, exploring their potential for advanced engineering uses. The study employs the Taguchi method with an L9 orthogonal array, incorporating three levels and three factors to systematically explore various combinations of process variables in the fabrication of these polymer composites. The primary goal is to optimize the mechanical properties of the composites, including tensile modulus, tensile stress, and weight percentage increase. Detailed investigations are conducted to understand the effects of these process variables on performance metrics. The research employs ANOVA and regression analysis to assess the significance of process variables on the individual output variables. Furthermore, interaction analysis is performed to uncover the effects of interactions between process variables on the desired performance measures. To evaluate the multi-performance index, grey analysis is used to determine the Grey Relational Coefficient (GRC) values, which provide a comprehensive performance assessment. The resulting composite materials demonstrate considerable potential for application in interior automotive components, such as dashboards and luggage compartments, due to their enhanced mechanical properties and environmental benefits.