COMPOSITES EUROPE 2012 Blog

2009 was also a difficult year for the processors of fibre composites.  According to the information given by the Federation of Reinforced Plastics (AVK), the demand for and the production of duroplastic SMC and BMC components was determined by market developments in the main automobile and electronic applications. 

The “Envirez” material from Ashland Performance Materials is used in boatbuilding (Photo: Ashland).

Those sectors most affected by market developments were those involving the open-moulding process, in particular for hand and spray lay-up laminating.  Their share of composites production has fallen from almost one third to less than a quarter.  Especially high was the downturn in large-scale components which involve smaller quantities by their very nature.  In their report, the experts mention boat and shipbuilding as one example.  Since the Fifties, composites have been used here as a construction material which, in the meantime, dominates this market.  When this segment weakens, it thus has a major effect on the processors.

Even so there is a ray of hope.  Ashland Performance Materials, a market leader for unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins, recently announced the conclusion of a contract with Campion Marine Inc., the largest manufacturer in Canada of boats from fibreglass materials.  It seems that the company intends in future to use the “Envirez” material, a biologically based composite, on all its boats.  As a result, the emissions of carbon dioxide can be reduced by around 46 tonnes.

At the beginning of the year, Northrop Grumman, the submarine manufacturer, concluded a contract with the Goodrich Corporation worth 49 million dollars.  Accordingly, the plastics processor will supply structural elements and components from composite materials for the next eight Virginia Class atomic powered submarines.  One submarine each will be produced in 2009 and 2010 and a further two vessels annually until 2013.

Fibre composite applications for boat and shipbuilding will also play an important part at the Composites Europe (CESHOW) trade fair, which will be held from 14 to 16 September 2010 in Essen in parallel with ALUMINIUM, the world’s leading trade fair for the aluminium industry.  Numerous exhibitors are involved in this sector and will present their innovations for the naval sector.

For example, materials from Huntsman Advanced Materials have already been certified for the construction of ferries by Germanischer Lloyd and Det Norske Veritas.  A new Seamless Modelling Paste (SMP) is being used for the manufacture of connecting elements.  Traditional materials, such as wood, have been replaced thanks to the low weight and high strength.  In addition, the process reduces the number of processing stages, provides more creative freedom, is suitable for CNC machining and is noted by good characteristics during milling, complex surfaces and low emissions of dust and pollutants. 

Seamless Modelling Pastes (SMP), known as “RenPaste”, are employed in many sectors of boat and shipbuilding, from rowing boats and leisure craft to racing boats and luxury yachts.  The latest “RenPaste XD 4618-1” version permits the construction of a wide variety of models, both for large hulls and decks as well as for highly specialized applications on pleasure craft.  The paste on an epoxy base can be machined with large CNC milling machines, which permits faster processing cycles and more accurate models. 

Sika Deutschland GmbH, a subsidiary of the Swiss Sika Corporation, which is also represented at the CESHOW, also supplies materials for the naval industry.  These consist of two-component systems on an epoxy base.  The products are suitable for temperature ranges from 80°C, 120°C and up to 170°C.  Hang-on parts as well as structural components are made from the material for the automobile, naval and aircraft industry.  The produced quantities extend from individual parts to mass production.

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