Modeling and Optimization of Tensile Properties of Epoxy Biocomposites Reinforced with Washingtonia robusta Waste and Biochar Using Response Surface Methodology, Artificial Neural Networks, and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making

The current study examined the tensile properties of epoxy biocomposites reinforced with untreated and NaOH-treated Washingtonia robusta waste (WRW) and biochar considering different fiber weight fractions (10%, 20%, 30%), NaOH concentrations (2%, 2.5%, 3%), and treatment durations (4, 12, 24 h). Th...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Messaouda Boumaaza, Ahmed Belaadi, Hassan Alshahrani, Ibrahim M. H. Alshaikh, Djamel Ghernaout
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-12-01
Series:Journal of Natural Fibers
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15440478.2025.2540475
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The current study examined the tensile properties of epoxy biocomposites reinforced with untreated and NaOH-treated Washingtonia robusta waste (WRW) and biochar considering different fiber weight fractions (10%, 20%, 30%), NaOH concentrations (2%, 2.5%, 3%), and treatment durations (4, 12, 24 h). The potential of WRW/biochar composites for sustainable applications, particularly in the automotive sector, was highlighted. The maximum tensile strength (35.69 MPa) and Young’s modulus (7.67 GPa) were achieved at 30% WRW treated for 4 h with 3% NaOH. These improvements are attributed to better interfacial bonding and fiber-matrix adhesion. To model and optimize the mechanical behavior, Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method based on TOPSIS were applied. ANN provided higher predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.9993 for tensile strength, 0.9819 for Young’s modulus) compared to RSM. Optimization results indicated ideal conditions of 29.35–29.41% WRW, 11.06–11.24 h treatment time, and 2.99–3% NaOH, based on desirability function RSM and genetic algorithm ANN optimization. The integration of ANN, RSM, and TOPSIS-MCDM provided a comprehensive optimization framework, confirming the potential of WRW/biochar composites for eco-efficient engineering applications, such as in the automotive sector.
ISSN:1544-0478
1544-046X