Volcanic fiber, scientifically more well-known as basalt fiber, is a revolutionary new material in the sailing world. Extra strength without excess weight, durability without toxicity, and a low environmental impact in the manufacturing process are all factors that make volcanic fiber the ideal material for an Arctic ready race boat.
FIPOFIX is an Austrian boat design company spearheading the development of volcanic fibre ocean sailing yachts. In early 2014 a prototype called the Open16 finished its singlehanded ‘proof of concept’ journey across the Atlantic non-stop from Europe to North America and back for a total trial distance of 10,000 nautical miles. The mini met some of the most challenging conditions the North Atlantic could throw at it, and kept skipper Harald Sedlacek safe for the entire duration of the journey. Based on the success of the Open16, FIPOFIX is designing the STAR46. This volcanic basalt fiber race machine will launch a new one-design class, ready to safely take sailing teams through Arctic conditions to the podium.
Here at Smarter Building Systems we recently had samples of our basalt fabrics laid up with a Crestapol Resin by Scott Bader company with impressive results – very light with a beautiful glossy finish, amazing flexibility and very strong. They make these resins for marine grade applications. We also made panels with epoxy resins, they too were incredibly strong with a super finish.
Basalt fabric can be used to build the yacht’s mold. Even if carbon fiber is the desired final material why pay more for the mold when basalt does not have measurable movement, does not conduct electricity, and saves a ton of money. Easy to work with, Basalt fabric cuts and wets easily and is inert, safe and recyclable.
Basalt fibers have a TEN TIMES better electrical insulation value than fiberglass. They take extreme high and low temperatures and will not harbor bacterial or microbial growth while being UV immune, salt tolerant and these fibers do not wick water badly like fiberglass. Much better impact (18% better elastic modulus).
We look forward to marine industry builders using basalt materials in future projects.
I am designing a large structure to house a turbine which I have designed for low speed (2 Knot) current in seawater. Basalt fibre or Glass fibre would be the recommended reinforcement for obvious reasons. I am in the process of making a small model to help with the design of a mold to cast the a structure in thin-wall concrete using zinc coated chicken wire but the actual structure will be large and I visualize custom made rings and straight lengths of rebar. Have you done any research into thin-wall concrete construction. The supporting piles of the structure would be pipe shaped with 100mm thick walls and two three m OD. Each one would be designed for a specific site and water depth. I have read a lot of PR stuff about BF and have seen many videos on you-tube so I am informed to some extent. What I need to know now is what shapes are available and the difference between the rigid bar and the flexible bar. Please communicate with me by e-mail or mail! Regards from Gerry Doyle.
Our rebar is available and shapes can be fabricated as specified. The thicker rods bend less-up to 1/2 inch can come in coils. It springs back like a fishing pole only stronger. If you see on my blog Monolithic domes has made thin wall concrete construction with our mesh. The best option is the rebar, mesh and chopped fibers combined.
do u have details of basalt fiber thermal properties like diffusivity , conductivity..etc
<a href="http://smarter-building-systems.com/smarter-building-basalt-faqs/
On my site is a FAQs page link.
How do you go about tying knots in basalt yarn or fibers to make it longer for use
You don’t tie it-it already comes in very long (miles of roving on bobbin runs)-you could epoxy a connection
or zip tie overlaps.