Fabrication and Mechanical Analysis of Polymer Nanocomposites Reinforced With Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes for Marine Applications

The advancement of nanocomposite technology has profoundly influenced numerous economic sectors, including transportation, marine, research, sea mining, and naval defense industries. This research, which outlines a thorough fabrication process for polymer nanocomposites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes utilizing vacuum bagging techniques, brings a novel perspective to the marine and aeronautical fields. Aluminum foil was enacted in the fabrication of samples, which were then used in shield filler in nanocomposite material, which is applied in stealth technology for marine engineering. The nanocomposite was produced using a combination of epoxy resin, hardener, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and E-Glass fiber materials. Laminate samples were prepared with varying volume percentages of MWCNTs (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 vol%). Magnetic string mixing was utilized to ensure the accurate distribution of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes within the epoxy matrix. The laminate was then placed in a vacuum bag envelope and cured for 24 h at atmospheric pressure (600Hgmm). The vacuum bagging technique involves placing the laminate in a sealed bag and removing the air to create a vacuum, which helps in the compaction and curing process of the composite. The microstructural characterization and mechanical properties were assessed in accordance with the American Standard Material Testing (ASTM) and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) standards. The thoroughness of the research process ensures the reliability of the findings, which revealed a notable increase in mechanical strength by 30.9% for the MWCNT nanocomposite compared to traditional polymer fiber-reinforced composite. The produced MWCNT nanocomposite laminates were each appropriately labeled for in-depth analysis.