Multiple Input–Single Output (MISO) Framework for Low Velocity Impact Response of Hybrid Gongronema latifolium/S-Glass Fibre Epoxy Composites

Christian Emeka Okafor, Peter Chukwuemeka Ugwu, Godspower Onyekachukwu Ekwueme, Nürettin Akçakale, Emmanuel Chukwudi Nwanna

Abstract


Sustainable composites are vital for impact-critical aerospace, automotive, and defense applications. This study used Multiple Input–Single Output (MISO) experimental approach to assess how hybrid ratio, mass fraction, and fiber orientation influence the low-velocity impact behavior of Gongronema/S-glass epoxy composites. Gongronema fibers and S-glass were combined with ER-F292 epoxy and molded into ASTM-standard samples. Charpy impact tests measured energy absorption. A 60-run design evaluated input variable combinations, and Multiple Linear Regression identified significant predictors using p-values and confidence intervals. Results showed that the mean values for hybridization ratio, mass fraction, fiber orientation, and low velocity impact were (2.50), (27.79%), (67.90°), and (3.82 J), respectively. It was found that the mass fraction had significant negative correlation with low velocity impact (r = -0.455; p = 0.000), as did the fiber orientation (r = -0.853; p = 0.000). The results for R = (0.994), R² = (0.989), F = (1607.390), and Durbin-Watson = (2.213) show that the regression model is highly predictive. Regression coefficients indicated negative effects from hybridization ratio (-0.357), mass fraction (-0.032), and fiber orientation (-0.017), all statistically significant (p = 0.000). Residual plots confirmed model validity. The TEM images of confirmation test sample 1 reveal fiber-matrix interfaces with particle sizes between 10.02–26.40 nm. Variations in scale (100 nm and 50 nm) show microstructural differences, suggesting strong adhesion, dispersion aggregation, and anisotropic behavior due to 90-degree fiber orientation within epoxy matrix. The study concludes that strategic optimization of input parameters significantly enhances the impact resistance of hybrid biocomposites.

Keywords


Fiber orientation, Gongronema latifolium, hybrid composites, hybridization ratio, low velocity impact, mass fraction, MISO framework

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17977/um016v9i12025p177

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