Taguchi-grey relational analysis in parameter optimisation of green biopolymer composites

Abstract

This study investigated the mechanical properties of blends and their nanocomposite blends (BNCs) of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polylactic acid (PLA) at different loadings (0.5, 1, and 2%) of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and nano titanium dioxide (n-TiO2), and parameter optimisation of the BNCs was conducted using a statistical technique such as Taguchi-grey relational and regressional analysis. The results showed that adding PLA to PHB increased the mechanical properties of the blends, and the mechanical properties increased more with the high loading of PLA. The reinforcement with n-TiO2 improved the mechanical properties of the blends; however, the presence of the CNF in the blends generally decreased the mechanical properties. The grey relational analysis showed that the best BNCs were 75% PHB /25% PLA with 0.5% CNF. However, Taguchi analysis found that 75% PHB / 25% PLA with 2% n-TiO2 has the best mechanical properties.