JEC World 2016: Fully recyclable sailboat hull demonstrator
Arkema (Colombes, France), in addition to news of its collaboration with Polystrand (Englewood, CO, US), had as the centerpiece of its stand a complete carbon fiber sailboat hull made with the company’s trademarked Elium liquid thermoplastic resin.
Arkema Inc. (Colombes, France), in addition to news of its collaboration with Polystrand (Englewood, CO, US), had as the centerpiece of its stand a complete carbon fiber sailboat hull made with the company’s trademarked Elium liquid thermoplastic resin. The vessel, dubbed Mini 6.50 Arkema 3 Innovation, served as a prototype or demonstrator, to showcase not only the infused hull but other Arkema products as well. Boatbuilder Lalou Multi, known for its ocean racing endeavors, built the hull using the easily-processed Elium acrylic, which is liquid at room temperature and suitable for infusion and resin transfer molding (RTM), but reportedly has the strength and stiffness of epoxy with 50% higher toughness, says the company. The fact that Elium is a thermoplastic makes the hull recyclable at end of life, a huge benefit according to Lalou Roucayrol, head of the Lalou Multi organization. Watch a video about the boat hull and Elium here: www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2016/03/09/video-boat-building-recyclable-composite/.
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