JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #75 - August/September 2012 - 34

material

Composite laminate for boat structures

Behind every well-made composite part sits a well-constructed tool. And critical to that success is design and material selection. Composite parts can be formed in tools, or moulds, made from a wide variety of materials — everything from steel, aluminium and ceramics to glass fibre, high-density foams, and even wood/ plaster models. The choice of the best tooling material for the job depends on many factors.
of the armoured structure, avoids the use of metals and allows easy repairs after an attack. It also benefits from the specific properties of the laminate such as corrosion, water and UV resistance. All of these properties are important for the navy industry. The main advantages associated to the low weight of the laminate include reduced fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, versatility and ease of manufacturing and transport. and alumina materials.

he Spanish shipyard Astilleros Santa Pola S.L. worked in close cooperation with Aimplas, Instituto Tecnologico del Plastico, to develop this innovative composite laminate with remarkable anti-ballistic properties. The new laminate is made of a phenolic resin with layers of S-glass fibres and aramid fibres. It is produced using vacuum bag technology. The main innovation lies in the combination of a ceramic material with the composite laminate.

Strong potential
The main market for this innovation is the navy industry, especially boats for which protection and safety are essential parameters such as Remarkable anti-ballistic patrol crafts, properties fishing boats in piracy areas, etc. Another major market will be the military sector, especially the armour plating of submarines, tanks, special vehicles, etc. n
More information: www.aimplas.es

Improving the laminates
Different laminate configurations have been manufactured using the vacuum bag technique. Standard ballistic tests were used to characterize the laminates in order to choose the best solution. The company is now trying to improve the laminate by reducing its weight even more using aramid and S-glass fibre-based woven fabrics, phenolic and ortho-polyester resins

Key benefits
This innovative material offers several advantages. It reduces the overall weight

About Aimplas

The main market for this innovation is the navy industry

Located in the Spanish city of Valencia, Aimplas is a Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) recognised by the Spanish Interministerial Committee of Science and Technology. The centre provides customized and integral solutions to the sector’s companies through the coordination of technological services (testing and laboratory services) and R&D projects. Finally, it promotes and coordinates the purchase of new technologies, both at equipment and knowledge level, to meet the current and future needs of the sector.

34 jec composites magazine / No75 August - September 2012

http://www.aimplas.es

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #75 - August/September 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #75 - August/September 2012