Necky Composites
A very basic and well-done video is from Necky Composites.
It demonstrates the toughness of epoxy laminates when he starts the video by beating the kayak with a hammer. He also does a good job of discussing the construction techniques of his kayaks and gives some good detail on materials and processes.
I have used the Soric and Divinycell, and the adhesive he discusses. They all have their places and special techniques for application. Many of these materials have been around a long time, and sometimes they have been misused in applications that they didn’t belong. I have personally witnessed some of these horror stories concerning delamination and improper adhesion.
The video quality and production is very rudimentary, but the content is very good. I am not a kayaker, but it makes me want to get one of these!
Polypropylene Fiber Reinforcement
One of the press releases I recently came across discussed the commercial release of Polypropylene fiber for use as a reinforcement in composites. The one I saw is sold under the trade name Innegra S Fiber by Innegrity LLC.
Polypropylene’s low density is a huge weight advantage, especially as compared to glass. Measured at 0.84 grams per cubic centimeter, it can be compared to glass which is at 2.55 grams per cubic centimeter, Kevlar (aramid) which is 1.44 grams per cubic centimeter, Carbon which is 1.76 grams per cubic centimeter, and UHMWPE which is 0.97 grams per cubic centimeter.
This material exhibits high toughness, which will make it great as a potential replacement for aramid reinforcements in applications such as bulletproof vests and mass transit. The low cost of polypropylene and its huge cost benefits because it is more of a commodity material will bring it into many new applications. It will be exciting to see new materials like this find commonplace usage and application.
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