JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #51 - September 2009 - 35

Nano-composites Carbon nanotubes for custom-made surfboards Entropy Surfboards, Amroy Europe Ltd and Bayer MaterialScience LLC have teamed up to deliver a new line of custom-made surfboards that incorporate carbon nanotubes. ntropy Surfboards, a division of Entropy Sports, believes that epoxy systems are a key ingredient in making a more durable and lively surfboard for the future. This is why the company is using Hybtonite® – an advanced epoxy system from Amroy incorporating Baytubes® carbon nanotubes from Bayer MaterialScience LLC (BMS) – to produce composite structures that are tougher and more durable than standard epoxy systems. The surfboards combine performance and durability with the traditional feel of a custom-shaped board. Their dimensions and weight will vary according to the specifications of each customer. two to three, while also decreasing the fatigue that is often seen in traditional boards subjected to everyday conditions,” said Rey Banatao of Entropy. “Because of the benefits they offer, we decided to continue using carbon nanotubes in our products once they became available and affordable.” More information: www.bayermaterialsciencenafta.com www.entropysports.com E Entropy Surfboards uses Hybtonite® to produce composite surfboards that are tougher and more durable than standard epoxy boards. The basic construction process for surfboards has remained basically unchanged for over 50 years, making customers very particular about how their boards look and feel. The core is made of foam with a wood or plastic stringer that spans from the nose to the tail, and is then wrapped in glass fibre. It is the final step, when the Hybtonite system is used, that sets Entropy surfboards apart from traditional boards. The incorporation of BMS’ Baytubes carbon nanotubes allows Entropy to achieve increased toughness without sacrificing the flex properties of the board. Focus “BMS has succeeded in producing high-quality carbon nanotubes in a cost-effective process,” said Joe Ventura, business development manager for Baytubes carbon nanotubes at Bayer MaterialScience LLC. “As a result, our Baytubes are helping create entirely new materials with revolutionary properties for applications like the Entropy Surfboard in numerous fields.” The epoxy systems used in Entropy surfboards, as well as other Entropy Sports high-performance products and materials, are lab tested at the Berkeley Composites Lab on the University of California campus, Berkeley. Entropy surfboards, featuring various materials, shapes and construction methods, are also tested year round in a variety of surf conditions. “The Bayer carbon nanotubes increase durability by a factor of No51 September 2009 / jec composites magazine 35

http://www.bayermaterialsciencenafta.com http://www.entropysports.com http://www.diatex.com/

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #51 - September 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #51 - September 2009