Enhancing mechanical performance of glass fiber reinforced gypsum composites with carbon black and magnetite: An integrated optimization approach

This study presents a comprehensive optimization methodology that integrates Taguchi Design of Experiments (Taguchi DoE), data augmentation, and the Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA) to improve the mechanical and electromagnetic characteristics of gypsum-based composites reinforced with carbon black, magnetite, and glass fiber. The effects of these additives on compressive and flexural strengths were evaluated using an L-16 orthogonal array, and optimal mixes were determined. The hybrid model attained a compressive strength of 32.23 MPa and a flexural strength of 1.41 MPa, demonstrating remarkable prediction accuracy (R-2 > 0.95). The integrated approach also allows cost-effective creation of multifunctional gypsum composites with improved mechanical and electromagnetic properties, in line with advanced construction material development.