HexPly M9.6GF carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy material was approved by Bureau Veritas (BV), a French company which specializes in testing, inspection and certification.
It can now to be used in the production of parts for all BV-approved marine vessels. The certification also guarantees the quality, performance and consistency of the prepregs for ship and boat builders, Hexcel said.
HexPly M9.6GF prepregs can be reinforced with unidirectional, non-crimp and twill-weave fabrics and are suitable for use in the manufacture of masts and other large structural components for wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP).
They were recently used to manufacture the mast for a 200 m hybrid sail powered ship designed by boatbuilder Chantiers de l'Atlantique.
"Hexcel has supplied advanced composite materials to the marine industry for more than 40 years,” said Thomas James, marine business development manager, Hexcel. “Receiving BV Type Approval for our HexPly M9.6GF prepregs demonstrates that we are committed to developing new composite technologies for the marine sector, helping builders evolve their designs to produce lighter, more fuel-efficient, and more sustainable craft for the future."
