Abstract

This study utilizes response surface methodology (RSM) to estimate the engineering
parameters of PFAP/silumin composites. The tensile strengths of the developed composites
were evaluated using a Box-Behnken design (BBD), considering factors such as weight
fraction, particle size, soaking time, plantain fiber ash particulate concentration, and
silumin. The results indicate that the weight fraction of fibers has the greatest influence on
tensile strength, with interaction effects being more significant than linear and quadratic
effects. The predicted tensile strengths of the PFAP/silumin composites, obtained through
RSM, closely matched the experimental values, validating the reliability of the software. The
range of predicted tensile strengths was found to be 44.66 MPa to 64.05 MPa, while the
obtained experimental values ranged from 40.31 MPa to 75.98 MPa. This study demonstrates
the effectiveness of the BBD method in quickly obtaining optimum values of tensile strength
for PFAP/silumin composites. Furthermore, this research highlights the promising potential
of utilizing waste materials in the automotive industry, particularly in East Africa.