Going Green with Graphene-Demonstrator (G3-Demo)

Purpose and goal:

Building on insights from the G3 project, this initiative aims to design and test a scaled boat hull demonstrator using prepreg materials made from graphene-coated natural fibers. Targeting applications that require high-performance with minimal environmental impact, this project seeks to advance the use of sustainable materials in the marine industry, progressing to Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6) and moving closer to real-world industrial applications.

Expected results and effects:

This project aims to create a sustainable alternative to traditional glass fiber by developing a graphene-enhanced, natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite suitable for marine use. By advancing eco-friendly material options, this innovation seeks to reduce the environmental footprint of boat manufacturing. Additionally, the project will contribute to industry development by equipping trained personnel with practical experience in advanced composite materials.

Approach and implementation:

The project will follow a structured three-phase approach, including rigorous composite testing. First, chemically treated fibers will be optimized with a graphene coating. These coated fibers will then be used to produce prepreg material with an epoxy polymer matrix. Finally, this new prepreg will be used to fabricate a scaled boat hull, which will undergo comprehensive testing to validate its performance, reliability, and scalability for marine applications.