Assessment of eco-sustainable thermoplastics produced through additive manufacturing for marine applications

This study addresses the growing need for sustainable materials and manufacturing methods in the maritime industry by assessing eco-sustainable polymers and related composites produced through additive manufacturing. The main goal is to evaluate the potential of such materials and technologies, with particular attention to their structural behaviour. Specifically, the research involves the mechanical characterisation of polylactic acid (PLA) and short carbon-fibre-reinforced PLA (PLA-CF) produced via fused filament fabrication. Uniaxial tensile tests are conducted on specimens printed with different deposition orientations to measure the process induced anisotropy. The experimental campaign provides insights into the structural behaviour of these materials and quantifies the influence of process parameters and fibre fillers on their mechanical properties. The tests are further complemented by comparisons of the measured tensile properties with the minimum requirements specified by Classification Societies, aiming to provide a preliminary assessment of the suitability of additively manufactured thermoplastics for marine structures.