Experimental evaluation of the effect of MWCNTs on the mechanical characteristics of raffia natural fibers composites to present new equations

Purpose In tropical areas, raffia textiles are highly favored due to the fiber’s natural qualities, making it an ideal option for clothing during warm weather. Additionally, raffia is frequently utilized in crafting hats, bags and baskets, especially those featuring a natural or bohemian design. The purpose of this research is to investigate the use of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the raffia fibers reinforced composites (RFRCs) to extract the mechanical properties and impact resistance of RFRCs–MWCNTs. Design/methodology/approach In this article, raffia fibers (RFs) are first broken, and then with LR630 epoxy resin and MWCNTs nanoparticles, RFRCs–MWCNTs are fabricated using the hand lay-up technique. RFs in all samples are assumed to be constant, but the amount of MWCNTs is considered to be variable and equal to 0wt., 0.26wt., 0.52wt. and 0.78wt.%. The three-point bending test and drop-weight impact testing machine are used to provide static and dynamic test responses. Findings The findings indicated that altering the MWCNTs percentage from 0 to 0.26 and 0.52% resulted in an increase in the peak value of three-point bending force, contact force and Young’s modulus as well as a decrease in contact time. The samples containing 0.78% MWCNTs exhibited CNTs agglomeration as observed in the pictures taken by the field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and showed a reverse process in the results. In the end, polynomial and fractional formulations are proposed to predict Young’s modulus and maximum contact force of RFRCs–MWCNTs. Originality/value An assessment is conducted to examine how the mechanical and impact properties of composite beams reinforced with raffia natural fibers were influenced by the presence of MWCNTs.