Luxury Motor Cruiser sets the Standard for Marine Bonding with Araldite

One of the world’s most luxurious motor cruiser projects is using structural bonding technology from Huntsman Advanced Materials.  Araldite® 2015 has been exclusively specified in the construction of the Neptys First Life 27 – a high tech, semi rigid power boat, made from a vinyl ester infusion.

Developed by AirNautics France, a leading Marseille based manufacturer of marine composite components and designed by Jean Michel Angileri, Manager of the company and Olivier Philippot, naval architect, the Neptys First Life 27 is now setting the standard for structural bonding in the marine industry.

Because of its short length of 8m 50 and speed (50 knots plus), the Neptys First Life 27 is subject to impact and vibrations.  As a result, the designers had to be sure that the bonding characteristics of the adhesive combination selected could withstand the stress of the environmental conditions at sea.  For this high tech boat, a technical and strong solution was needed.

After prototypes were made with RenShape® BM 5460, the project moved on to the assessment of adhesives, where a number of formulations from Huntsman Advanced Materials were trialled.

In order to achieve the best price to performance ratio, Olivier Philippot, who is also an engineer in composites materials, decided to search for an alternative to methacrylates adhesives.  One of the key objectives for the boat’s construction was to find a solution that would not involve the use of machinery in the dosing and application process.

Samples of the vinyl ester infusion to be bonded were sent to Huntsman’s newly equipped laboratories at Basel in Switzerland, where the Material Testing Department took these along with the specified marine qualification criteria to conduct an extensive characterisation capabilities evaluation programme.

Using cutting-edge testing equipment, emphasis was placed on identifying a formulation capable of providing good reactivity for the materials used in the boat’s construction.  Huntsman produced a comprehensive technical report, including material samples and photos, recommending the use of Araldite® 2015 based on its ability to meet the performance characteristics necessary for this type of marine application.

Araldite® 2015 is a leading, two component epoxy adhesive paste that cures at room temperature.  The designers found this adhesive far superior to other formulations in providing better reactivity, efficiency and overall quality of design.  Whilst offering high resistance to water, humidity and chemicals, Araldite® 2015 also delivers improved performance on the water.  This allows the Neptys First Life 27 to withstand the impact of speeds up to 99 km per hour.

Easy to mix, Araldite® 2015’s 25 minute work life at 23°C proved appropriate for the necessary timescales the designer had set for bonding the deck to the hull, including the internal components. Particularly important in the decision making process was the need for a medium time for bonding application ( more than 30mn/less than 2 hours), low price and less odour during application and polymerisation.

Commenting, Olivier Philippot said, “Working closely with Huntsman’s laboratories, it soon became apparent that Araldite® 2015 was the best product available for bonding vinyl ester, delivering guaranteed strength, optimum performance and increased durability.”

Continuing he said, “Following the efficient application of the adhesive, the quality of the bonds was tested under rigorous conditions to guarantee that the product could withstand high levels of force and impact whilst travelling at high speeds on the sea.  It was at this juncture that Araldite® 2015’s exceptional track record in marine applications shone through and we were more than satisfied with its performance.”

A thixotropic solution, Araldite® 2015 is resistant to sag at up to 10mm thick.  It is particularly suitable for SMC and GRP bonding and when formulated for specific applications it forms durable, elastomeric joints that are water tight and weather resistant, making it ideal for all types of marine applications.

Since its launch, the Neptys First Life 27 has frequently been described as one of the most beautiful boats in its class.  4 boats have now been sold and an estimated 20 more are due to be custom built, harnessing high performance engines with a stylish central steering console, robust hull design and meticulous finish.

www.huntsman.com/advanced_materials

For further information please contact;

Patricia Albisser
Huntsman Advanced Materials (Switzerland) GmbH
K-401.5.77
Klybeckstrasse 200
CH-4057 Basel
Switzerland
Phone: +41-61-299 2664
Fax: +41-61-966 8130
E-mail: patricia_albisser@huntsman.com