Optimization of micro-injection molding process with respect to tensile properties of polypropylene

An integrated optimization approach based on Box-Behnken design of experiment and response surface methodology of analysis has been used for optimization of micro-injection molding process with respect to the tensile properties of polypropylene dog-bone-shaped bars. It is found that the response surface models of breaking strain and Young’s modulus developed by using this approach can satisfactorily predict the tensile properties of the polypropylene bars as a function of injection molding process parameters. The single and interaction effects of the injection molding process parameters are found to play significant roles in determining the tensile properties of the polypropylene bars.