Modelling and optimization of fabrication parameters for multi-walled carbon nanotubes-filled GFRP composites using RSM and Rao-1 algorithm

Abstract

This study presents an optimized approach for fabricating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) filled glass fibre reinforced polymers (GFRP) composites using hybrid optimization approach. The experimental runs performed as per Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology (RSM) by considering three fabrication parameters: MWCNT loading, sonication time (ST), and oven curing temperature (OCT), and the output response, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) is noted. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is employed to ascertain the significance of the effects that each factor has on UTS and found fabrication variables, OCT, and combined effects of ST and OCT are most significant. Other variables, direct effects of MWCNT loading, interaction effects of all three combinations have influence on UTS. Mathematical modeling is postulated using RSM from which contour plots are drawn to illustrate both direct and interactive effects and reveal fabrication parameters have detrimental effects on UTS. The mathematical equation of UTS is then solved by Rao-1 optimization algorithm and obtained condition is: 1.0% of MWCNT loading, 97.5 min of sonication time, and 76 °C of oven curing temperature and corresponding UTS of 624 MPa. SEM analysis has also been performed to verify the distribution of MWCNTs in the GFRP and observed uniform dispersion of MWCNTs in the developed composite. A confirmatory test validates the predicted optimal fabrication condition derived from the RSM combined with Rao-1 algorithm, ensuring that the methodology has ability to enhance the UTS of MWCNTs-embedded GFRP composites.