Abstract
This study investigates how adding Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) to epoxy coatings enhances the scratch resistance of MWCNT/epoxy composites, as well as the erosion resistance of epoxy nanocomposite coatings for water pipeline applications. Epoxy nanocomposites were fabricated with MWCNT contents of 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 wt.% MWCNT additives to epoxy resin. A novel protocol was used in which the samples were first scratched, then submerged in contaminated water for 3–7 days, and then subjected to an erosion test. And antibacterial testing, with a new biological resistance evaluation against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using OD600 spectrophotometry assays. Results of mean mass losses for erosion specimens were (0.028 ± 0.004 g), (0.017 ± 0.004 g), (0.01 ± 0.002 g), and (0.007 ± 0.002 g) for 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 wt.% MWCNT added to epoxy resin, respectively. These results indicate that the 0.3 wt.% MWCNT composite reduced erosion-induced mass loss by 71.88%. The results of mean mass losses for scratched specimens were (0.036 ± 0.006 g), (0.022 ± 0.004 g), (0.014 ± 0.003 g), and (0.01 ± 0.002 g) for 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 wt.% MWCNT additives to epoxy resin, respectively. These results indicate that the 0.3 wt.% MWCNT composite reduced scratch-induced mass loss by 71.43% compared to pure epoxy. Furthermore, it exhibited superior resistance to surface degradation. The most effective antibacterial properties are against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The significant improvements are attributed to enhanced MWCNT dispersion and interfacial bonding within the epoxy matrix.