Composites for marine structures

In 1968, shipping containers were standardized, enabling container ships to be loaded effectively.  That means: the bigger the ship, the heavier the cargo, and the higher the overall weight. Over the years, container ships are getting bigger and bigger and can carry more and more cargo. For comparison: The first container ship to dock in the Port of Hamburg in Germany on May 31, 1968, was 213 meters long and had a cargo capacity of 1,200 containers. Today, the world's largest container ship, the Ever Ace, is 400 meters long and can carry almost 24,000 standard containers.

Due to their heavy weight, large-sized ships like container ships or cruise liners contribute disproportionately to the emission of CO₂. Ship owners, operators, builders, and suppliers of innovative materials are seeking solutions for improved sustainability, including lighter weight to reduce fuel consumption and less harmful emissions. The potential of lightweight constructions using composite materials in shipbuilding is currently being investigated. Composites enable the construction of extremely lightweight but strong products compared to the much heavier structures made of metals. Smaller vessels such as small ferries, workboats or sailing yachts built from composite materials are already a reality today.

Evonik is one of the leading suppliers of high-performance crosslinkers to the composite industry.  With its extensive know-how, Evonik's Crosslinkers business line plays an important role in the development of advanced crosslinkers for composite applications.

Sold under the brand name VESTAMIN^®, this isophorone based product group is regarded as the industry standard for crosslinkers and is formulated for epoxy composite systems. VESTAMIN^® brings high mechanical strength and improved mechanical properties to composites and protect them against impact stress, moisture, chemicals, and abrasion. 

Crosslinkers - Creating Marketable and Intelligent Solutions

Mechanical strength, durability, chemical resistance and excellent solubility and adhesion properties – Evonik´s business line Crosslinkers offers tailor-made solutions for customers all over the world. As a raw material supplier, we have a profound understanding of the needs of our customers and their markets. Our range of products and expertise generates added value in a number of areas: from coatings and adhesives to civil engineering, high-performance elastomers and composites.

VESTAMIN^® brings mechanical strength and improved mechanical properties into composite applications in the marine sector.