Graphene components lightens the load for Hugo Boss sailing team

There will be an immediate review to ascertain weight saving opportunities. Of particular interest is work by Haydale in adding their functionalised HDPlas Graphene Nano Platelets (GNPs) into both Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) and epoxy resins. Work carried out with Cardiff University, showed improvements of 40% in the plane shear strength of CFRP, and the US-based research institute Aerospace Corporation endorsed the use of the GNPs in achieving more than a 100% increase in structural strength and stiffness for epoxy resin systems.

The teams will also review bearings and friction points, delamination of materials and thermal heat management.

Ray Gibbs, CEO, Haydale commented "Fundamentally this agreement demonstrates the belief that Haydale materials advice and technology can make a difference in the high tech world of competitive offshore racing. We will also call on the skills and resources of our collaboration partner the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating- this is an exciting mix of entrepreneurial flair and technical knowhow which we feel can really make a difference.''

Under the terms of this agreement Haydale will seek project funding for longer term assignments such as the inclusion of Haydale graphenes into barrier films and coatings and to investigate how these coatings could improve the ATR boat's performance.

Stewart Hosford, managing director, Alex Thomson Racing added:
''It is exciting to be using such industry leading technology in our Research and Development programme. It is important that we deliver a vessel that has the strength to race around the world. . . . It is similar to Formula One in that you need to keep the vessel light to ensure optimum speed without a compromise on strength, providing the results for the title sponsor whilst racing. I am looking forward to seeing the results and using this technology in future design concepts.''