The marine industry was one of the first to realise the advantages of the composites, especially the simple techniques and resistance to corrosion. But the sea is a very demanding testing environment on which to test the ageing of the materials, as the permanent impacts of salt, ultraviolet, and continuous wave hits real challenges for the material’s resistance.
Therefore, shipbuilding is the largest market for composites, i.e. composites are used almost everywhere. Minesweepers, mega-yachts, sailboats, motorboats, boats, kayaks, and other vessels widely use polyester and epoxy resins, gelcoat, core material, fiberglass and, in some cases, carbon fibre.
Basic materials:
1. polyester resins and gelcoats 2. epoxy resins 3. consumables for vacuum infusion 4. structural PET foam panels 5. fiberglass fabrics and glass mats 6. carbon fabrics