Modelling and optimization of the impact strength of plantain (Musa paradisiacal) fibre/MWCNT hybrid nanocomposite using response surface methodology

This study, examine a natural fibre reinforced hybrid nanocomposite, fabricated using plantain (Musa paradisiacal) fibre and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) in epoxy resin. 0.05% potassium permanganate (KMnO₄)-acetone solution was used to reinforce the adhesion interface between the fibre and matrix. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box–Behnken design (BBD), was utilized in the experimental design to optimize the influence of three variable parameters, namely: MWCNT volume content (0.5, 1, 2%), KMnO₄ Treatment time (1, 3, 5 min) and fibre content (10, 20, 30 wt.%) on the Impact strength of the hybrid nanocomposite. FTIR spectral indicates the fractional elimination of natural wax, hemicellulose and lignin substance present in the fibre surface after treatments. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that fibre content, KMnO₄ Treatment time and MWCNT volume content, significantly affects the Impact strength of the hybrid nanocomposite as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. The expected findings were in near alignment with the experimental results with the value of R2 = 0.9869. The optimal operational condition for ultimate impact strength was observed as MWCNT concentration 1.23%, KMnO₄ Treatment time 2.60 min, and a fibre content 13.50 wt.%. The optimum impact strength of the hybrid nanocomposite was increase by 58.16% over pristine epoxy-resin system. This current research has demonstrated that RSM via the BBD technique is an effective way of achieving optimal values for mechanical properties over the least amount of time, reducing production costs and saving resources.