They found an increase in flexural strength and modulus with increasing molding pressure. Takagi et al (2008) studied the effect of processing pressure on the flexural strength and moduli of the bio composites.

Ochi (2008) studied the effect of processing temperature on tensile and -520-Ģ flexural strengths of unidirectional kenaf/pla composites and found the optimum processing temperature to be 1600C. Jiang and Hinrichsen (1999) investigated composites based on biologically degradable polyester amide and plant fiber and found good mechanical properties, such as sufficient water resistance and biodegradability. In addition to fiber/matrix adhesion, processing method and processing conditions are also the key elements that have profound influence on mechanical properties of bio composites, as natural fibers are thermally unstable. However, Kiran, et al, (2011) noted that these techniques were not cost effective and improvement in mechanical properties was limited in most of the cases. Extensive research was carried out by various researchers through the years, on improving the fiber matrix adhesion by various fiber surface treatments (Shibata, Cao and Fukumoto, 2008 Oksman, Skrifvars and Selin, 2003 Arbeliaz, Fernandez, Valea and Mondragon, 2006 Avella et al., 2007 Sreekumar, Joseph, Unnikrishnan and Thomas, 2011 Sawpan, Pickering and Fernyhough, 2011). Bio composites composed of biopolymers derived from renewable resources and cellulose fibers have been gathering much attention from the stand point of protection of the environment from plastic disposal problem and saving petroleum resources (LaMantia and Morreale, 2011). Nigeria is one of the largest plantain producing countries in the world (FAO, 2006). Key Words: composite matrix, plantain fiber, flexural strength, robust design, pseudo stem, empty fruit bunch INTRODUCTION Plantain production in Africa is estimated at more than 50% of worldwide production (FAO, 1990). The finite element analysis showed that the composite sample subjected to MPa will deflect mm within its elastic limit while the use of FTIR spectroscopy confirms that PEFPRFP is stronger than PPSFRP. The empty fruit bunch fiber reinforced polyester matrix composite has the maximum flexural strength of 42.40MPa, while the pseudo stem plantain fiber reinforced matrix composite has the maximum flexural strength of 41.16MPa. The optimum values of the control factors were established for empty fruit bunch composites and for pseudo stem fiber composite. To obtain the optimum properties being investigated for the results of the mechanical tests obtained using a Monsanto tensometer were used to establish the control factor levels needed to optimize the mechanical properties being investigated. Flexural tests were conducted on the replicated samples of PEFBFRP and PPSFRP respectively using Archimedes principles in each case to determine the volume fraction of fibers. These properties were determined for plantain empty fruit bunch fibers reinforced polyester matrix (PEFBFRP) and plantain pseudo stem fibers reinforced polyester (PPSFRP). Okafor 1,2 Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria Abstract: This study considered the controlling factors, volume fraction of fibers (A), aspect ratio of fibers (B) and fibers orientation (C) in the determination of flexural strength of plantain fibers reinforced polyester composites (PFRP). Global Research Publishing, (pp ) Christopher C. 1 Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering and Sciences 4(4), March, ISSN: (Print) ISSN: (Online) Printed in Nigeria.

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