Zyvex Performance Materials
(ZPM), a recognized worldwide leader in nanomaterials applications, unveiled
a new boat to be built by Strategic Composites and made entirely with ZPM's
next generation carbon nanotube (CNT) enhanced prepreg, Arovex®. The new
boat, designated 540SE (Super Efficient), is intended as a technology demonstrator
to show what future boats are capable of when built with new nano-enhanced materials
like Arovex®.
By building the boat with Arovex®, the 54-foot boat will weigh less than
8,000 pounds, fully equipped. This is approximately 75% less than fiberglass
boats its size, and 33% less than conventional carbon fiber boats. The drastic
weight reduction allows the new boat to require 75% less horsepower, considerably
reduced emissions, and extended range.
Because of its extreme lightweight, the boat is very efficient, and offers
unheard of fuel economy at low to medium cruising speeds. Boat construction
has begun at Pacific Washington based Strategic Composites (www.strategic-composites.com)
late last month.
“We are very proud to be unveiling this new boat. By re-imagining and
designing boats to take full advantage of our materials, a new generation of
boats can be built that are remarkably lighter, consume far less fuel, and cut
carbon emissions.” says Lance Criscuolo, President of Zyvex Performance
Materials. “By greatly reducing the weight of the boat, performance is
increased and emissions are cut by more than two-thirds. This will create a
new breed of boats that have expanded capabilities, range, and are environmentally
responsible.”
“This new nano-enhanced material will allow us to create the boats of
the future,” commented Strategic Composites President Ron Jones Jr. “By
being able to greatly decrease the weight of the structure, the engine and fuel
requirements are reduced as well. This boat will be able to do things that other
boats can’t. It could be carried and airdropped by cargo aircraft, for
rescue, deployment, or intercept missions”. Jones went on to elaborate,
“The use of these new nano-enhanced materials is what will allow a new
generation of ultra efficient green boats to be built. Cities, security forces,
and governments that are looking for a flexible platform with super efficiency
have an answer now”.
The boat is powered by a pair of small diesel engines, typically found on
boats under 40 feet in length. These smaller engines will still be able to propel
the hull to top speeds of over 50 mph. Offshore capable, and with a range of
over 1,000 miles, the boat will also feature a “glass cockpit” similar
to ones found in modern aircraft. Larger engines are optional for higher speed
applications.
While designed with defense and security missions in mind, the technology
demonstrator will be a conventional civilian/recreational boat. A recreational
version using the same hull and materials is also planned and should be available
in early 2010 through Synergy Yachts. The announced launch date for the prototype
is in November of this year.
Zyvex Performance Materials has created a website at www.zyvexpro.com/news/540SE
with downloadable pictures and progress updates.
Arovex® is a high performance prepreg using CNT enhanced resin. The resin,
optimized for use in a prepreg, offers dramatically superior mechanical properties
over conventional prepregs without CNTs. Arovex® is available in standard,
intermediate, and high modulus carbon fibers, glass, and as a unidirectional,
woven, or knitted material. Large custom material orders for Arovex® are
also available. Arovex® processes and handles just like conventional prepregs.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Zyvex Performance Materials Inc. was spun out of
Zyvex Corporation in April 2007. ZPM is focused on developing nanotechnology
to improve the properties of composite materials. The company’s patented
technology allows composites to take advantage of the superior physical and
chemical properties of carbon nanotubes by enabling the even dispersion of carbon
nanotubes in composites mixtures. ZPM was the first company to provide carbon
nanotube enhanced products to the marketplace.