Technology

Carbon Fiber Nanocomposites

The IUSV and Shomari vessels are built from Arovex prepreg material developed by ZyvexTech Inc of the USA. These are currently the only vessels in the world built using these advanced materials. The technology behind the Arovex prepreg is based on carbon nanotubes infused into the resin that binds carbon fibre. When properly integrated into composites, carbon nanotubes increase strength, stiffness, and toughness.

Although incredibly strong, carbon nanomaterials (CNT) can’t simply be mixed into carbon fiber systems in order to improve their properties. Nanomaterials have an inherent affinity for themselves and tend to agglomerate without effective dispersing agents being introduced in the system.