Optimizing Green Composites for Automotive Applications Using Taguchi-Based Grey Relational Analysis

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 05 | Page : 743 754
    By

    Radheshyam H. Gajghat,

  • P. Srinivasa Rao,

  • Krishnamurti L. Motghare,

  • Gajanan G. Waghmare,

  • Nandkishor M. Sawai,

  • Robin Jacob D.,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Automation & Robotics Engineering, Sandip Institute of Technology and Research Centre, Nashik, Maharshtra, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Christian College of Engineering & Technology, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Raipur Institute of Technology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
  4. Professor, Department of Automation & Robotics Engineering, Sandip Institute of Technology and Research Centre, Nashik, Maharshtra, India
  5. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sandip Institute of Tech and Research Centre, Nashik, Maharshtra, India
  6. MTech Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Christian College of Engineering & Technology, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable and lightweight materials in the automotive industry has driven the exploration of green composites as an alternative to conventional synthetic composites. This study focuses on optimizing the mechanical properties of green composites using Taguchi-based Grey Relational Analysis. Four natural fibers—pineapple, sisal, coir, and Nava—were reinforced with cashew resin and synthetic resin matrices, incorporating silica and granite fillers of varying sizes. Key properties, including hardness, impact strength, water absorption, and density were evaluated. The results revealed that Nava fiber with synthetic resin demonstrated superior hardness (HRA 74) and impact strength (137 KJ/m²), while sisal fiber with cashew resin exhibited the highest impact strength (152 KJ/m²). Water absorption was lowest in pineapple fiber with synthetic resin (1.76%), and Nava fiber composites exhibited lower moisture uptake compared to other fiber types. Density analysis indicated that cashew resin composites with smaller filler sizes showed higher densities, with coconut fiber with cashew resin achieving the maximum density. Taguchi-based Grey Relational Analysis was employed to identify optimal parameter combinations, balancing mechanical performance and sustainability. The findings underscore the potential of Nava and sisal fiber composites for specific automotive applications, such as dashboards and exterior body panels, while highlighting the need for improved moisture resistance in cashew resin composites. This study provides insights into the development of eco-friendly materials with competitive mechanical properties, aligning with the automotive industry’s goals of weight reduction and environmental sustainability.

Keywords: Green composites, Natural fibers, Cashew resin, Sample fabrication, Taguchi based GRA.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

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How to cite this article:
Radheshyam H. Gajghat, P. Srinivasa Rao, Krishnamurti L. Motghare, Gajanan G. Waghmare, Nandkishor M. Sawai, Robin Jacob D.. Optimizing Green Composites for Automotive Applications Using Taguchi-Based Grey Relational Analysis. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):743-754.
How to cite this URL:
Radheshyam H. Gajghat, P. Srinivasa Rao, Krishnamurti L. Motghare, Gajanan G. Waghmare, Nandkishor M. Sawai, Robin Jacob D.. Optimizing Green Composites for Automotive Applications Using Taguchi-Based Grey Relational Analysis. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):743-754. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=217320


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 05
Received 16/01/2025
Accepted 28/04/2025
Published 21/07/2025
Publication Time 186 Days
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