Statistical Comparison of Epoxy Thermosets Reinforced using Microfibers from Different Natural Sources
Author : Sangalang, Mariane Frances S.
Major Adviser : Sanchez, Denise Ester S.
Committee Members : Guerrero, Gino Apollo M.; Migo, Veronica P.
Year : 2021
Month : July
Type : Thesis
Degree: BS
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Abstract
A statistical comparison on three reinforced thermosets at varying factors of fiber loading, curing time, and microfiber source of reinforcement was done for this paper. This is a continuation of analysis for the experiments done by three previous chemical engineering students at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The data collected from this experimentation is thermosets reinforced with either pineapple crown leaves, Napier grass, and corn husk, with fiber loading from 1 to 5% v/v and cured from 0.5 to 1.5 hours which are tested for flexural strength and water absorption for 48 hours. This statistical comparison helped in determining the effects of factors and interactions, optimizing conditions, and selecting the most ideal microfiber source. Such process is important because this paper can enhance the previous research, serve as basis for optimum conditions, and promote Philippine raw materials for conversion of ideal materials. Using response surface methodology, it was discovered that only fiber loading significantly affects both flexural strength and water absorption. The trend for fiber loading follows an inverse relationship while the trend for water absorption was inconclusive. It was also determined that the optimum conditions for this data set is 1.905% v/v for fiber loading, 1.5 h for curing time, and corn husk for microfiber source. These conditions would give a flexural strength of 77.62 MPa, and a water absorption of 0.259%. With those optimum conditions, it is concluded that corn husk is the most ideal source of microfiber given this data set.
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