Advanced Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials for Marine Applications

Most widely used material in ship hull construction is undoubtedly the steel. Composite materials have become suitable choice for marine construction in 1960s. The usage of the fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) in marine applications offers ability to orient fiber strength, ability to mold complex shapes, low maintenance and flexibility. The most common reinforcement material in marine applications is E-glass fiber. Composite sandwich panels with FRP faces and low density foam cores have become the best choice for small craft applications. The U.S Navy is using honeycomb sandwich bulkheads to reduce the ship weight above the waterline. Composites will play their role in marine applications due to their lightness, strength, durability and ease of production. It is expected that especially FRP composites will endure their life for many years from now on in the construction of boat building.