Composites testing
We've been carrying out a range of tests to try and discover suitable fabrics for low cost composites. The fabric needs to be:
- Low cost
- Easily available
- Fairly tight weave, loose enough to let epoxy flow through to prevent delamination
- Once combined with epoxy, the mass of the fabric as a percentage of the total mass of the composite would ideally be ~ 40-50%
We've carried out a few rounds of testing which are documented at the links shown below.
Round 1
Link to results
In this round of testing we experimented with various epoxies including:
- Boatyard Polyester
- Super Sap
- West Systems 205
- Aqua Resin
We tried out different application techniques and tools including:
- Squeegies
- Hydrostatic
- Vacuum with/without bleeder and breather
- Clamps
We also experimented with different fibers:
- Burlap
- Carbon fiber
- Fiberglass
Round 2
Link to results
In this round of testing we tested a a range of fabrics using the same layup technique. We tested the following fabrics:
- Medium Weight Linen White
- Kaufman Brussels Washer Linen Blend Yarn Dye Flax
- Kaufman Essex Linen Blend Natural Fabric
- 9.3 oz. Canvas Duck Natural
- European 100% Linen Stone Fabric By The Yard
- EMMAKITES 60"x36"(WxL) 40D Ripstop Nylon
- Organic Cotton Ripstop Natural
- Natural Linen Fabric, Zakka Cotton/linen, Organic Unbleached
- Black 70 Denier Nylon Ripstop
- Natural Irish Linen Fabric
- European 100% Linen Oatmeal Fabric
- 10-Ounces Natural Canvas
- LA Linen 10 oz. Cotton Duck Canvas
- 10 Oz Unprimed Cotton Duck Canvas
- Cotton Canvas Natural Heavy Weight
Round 3
Link to results
In this round of testing we continued to test a range of fabrics using Super Sap epoxy and vacuum bagging with bleeder and breather. The materials that were tested included:
- RockWest flax based material
- Felt
- Upholstery
- Thick cotton canvas
- Thin decorative cotton
Round 4
Link to results
In this round of testing we moved forward with the cotton canvas given its lower uptake of epoxy and good availability in a range of weights. We tested the following weights of Duck Canvas