An experimental and simulation study on dielectric properties of bio-based kenaf composite laminated with PVC for futuristic applications

A PVC-coated hybrid-reinforced bio-based kenaf composite was fabricated. Nanoparticles of Nickel (Ni), Bamboo Charcoal (BC), and Carbon Black (CB) with different wt.% were reinforced. The composite fibers were studied and analyzed based on their physical and dielectric properties. The inferences obtained from these studies reveal that adding nanoparticles has enhanced the material's physical and dielectric properties. Identification of the functional groups and carbon compounds found in the different bio-based kenaf composite was made using the Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectrum graph.The weight percentages of the optimized sample were predicted using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM), in which the Central Composite Design (CCD) employed the weight percentages of the three nanoparticles as input and the results of the dielectric constant (DC) experiment as the response output. The result from Central Composite Design showed that 25 wt% of BC, 15 wt% of Ni, and 2 wt% of CB gave a maximum dielectric constant of 3.21. Then a confirmation sample was prepared for the same and compared with the experimental and simulation results through Comsol Multiphysics.