Bio resin infusion milestone

Sicomin’s InfuGreen 810 was used to vacuum infuse the 26-metre, 52 tonne superyacht’s hull, deck and superstructure producing a lighter, faster, more durable structure and reducing overall fuel consumption significantly.

With a long history of building in composites, Couach has developed highly efficient vacuum infusion processes to build hull, deck, superstructure, and other components for their vessels. Whilst Couach traditionally used polyester resin systems, Sicomin – a key supplier of composite materials to the shipyard for more than 15 years – has worked with the Couach R&D team for the past four years on a test program to explore the benefits of epoxy resin systems, culminating in the successful implementation of Infugreen 810 and other GreenPoxy® bio-based epoxies in the latest Couach model.

With 38% of its carbon content from plant based sources, InfuGreen 810, is formulated to provide a more sustainable vacuum infusion resin with uncompromising performance. With the testing program complete, and the additional reassurance of the resin’s DNV GL type approval in hand, Couach prepared to infuse the 2600 Fly hull.

Sicomin also supplied release agents compatible with its epoxies and vacuum consumables that had been well proven in Couach production before this first major epoxy resin application. Then, the highly engineered E-glass laminate including sandwich core sections and a range of stitched multiaxial, woven, and unidirectional fabrics were assembled in the hull mould. For the final pre-production stage, Couach installed its in-house developed monitoring system to ensure the integrity of the vacuum and monitor the process conditions during the infusion itself.

Philippe Gruaud, Head of Technical Sales for Western France, at Sicomin said: “The significantly lower viscosity and increased fibre wetting enable rapid, controllable and void free infusion of the laminate, particularly when using heavyweight multiaxial and woven reinforcement plies. It’s not just a more sustainable option, it’s the best technical option for a project like this.”