Optimizing microwave joining parameters of kenaf-reinforced polypropylene composites

The current study delved into the microwave joining of kenaf-reinforced polypropylene composites (KRPCs) at different levels of microwave power, joining pressure, and graphite weight. The effect of process parameters on prominent joining attributes, namely lap-shear failure load, Shore D hardness, and impact strength was studied. The KRPCs were fabricated using microwave-assisted compression molding process. The microwave joining of KRPCs was executed using graphite as the susceptor material. Joining pressure was measured using FlexiForce A301 force sensor. Lap-shear strength of the single lap joint specimens was evaluated using novel, specialized fixture. Furthermore, fractographic analysis of the lap interface region was carried out using scanning electron microscopic images. The response surface methodology was used to optimize the microwave joining process parameters. Results yielded the optimized lap-shear failure load of 1982 N, Shore D hardness of 56, and impact strength of 3996.41 J/m2 at 180 W of microwave power, 200 kPa of joining pressure, 27 mg of graphite weight.