ORCID

Abstract

A significant majority of large fibre composite structures in the marine environment currently use a thermoset resin matrix. These materials have excellent durability in the sea, but are difficult to dispose of at end-of-life. After a rigorous selection process [1], methyl methacrylate and lactide monomers have been identified as potential thermoplastic matrix systems which can be manufactured using in situ polymerisation (ISP) during composite manufacture by liquid composite moulding (LCM) processes. LCM includes resin transfer moulding (RTM) for components up to about 3 m square, then Infusion under Flexible Tooling (RIFT for resins, or MIFT for monomers). The presentation will address manufacturing issues (acrylic is a “drop in” for polyester resin, but lactide requires elevated temperature processes), and end of life (acrylic is lower in the recycling hierarchy.

Publication Date

2021-05-18

Event

5th International Conference on Natural Fibers - Materials of the Future

Publication Title

5th International Conference on Natural Fibers - Materials of the Future

Publisher

Sciencentris

ISBN

978-989-54808-5-2

Deposit Date

2024-06-10

Funding

Interreg 2 Seas Mers Zeeen

First Page

153

Last Page

153

Additional Files

C2021_ICNF5_two-page_abstract.pdf (333 kB)

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