I'm interested in using flax for glassing boards and thought this was an insightful video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD98L9XlCTU
That channel has a bunch of other really good videos too. I especially like that they do the tensile break tests so there is some real-world empirical data on the strength of the materials used.
Anyone have any insight on using flax cloth to glass boards?
Strength looks to be about half that of s-glass based on the tests done in the video, so that's a bit problematic for durability.
Fri, 2022-04-22 13:09
#1
I've done a handful of hemp deckpatches and tail patches. I'll use it if it fits the aesthetic of the board. Once laid up, the cloth is very strong and it works great for patches, but the cloth is also extremely resin-thirsty so there are carbon-use tradeoffs with resin usage which go against whatever the savings there are with the cloth. Not to mention the weight.
deck.jpg
fins.jpg
These are the guys I bought my cloth from. It comes in 60" widths so a $16/yd fabric isn't really that expensive. The color does turn darker when you hit it with resin.
https://www.hemptraders.com/CT-L5-p/ct-l5.htm
I've followed that YouTube channel for years. I'd feally like to do forged carbon fiber fins the way they demonstrate the process in their videos.
Regarding flax, I don't think I'd ever hand laminate something like that. You need something like that under a vaccuume.
I use a vacuum bag. Wet layup with release film and bleeder cloth. Under moderate vacuum I recovered very little excess resin. I think the only way to maximize the resin/cloth ratio is via resin infusion, which is a process that I have never attempted.
By the time you get into vacuum bagging the additional carbon footprint of the equipment and consumables involved is probably offsetting most of the savings when compared to using domestically produced fiberglass. Being eco-trendy might help you pull more hippie chicks at the beach, though. If you're into that sort of virtue signaling.
IMO, the greenest surfboard you can build is the one that stands the test of time in both design and construction so that you never have to replace it. That's how a "dirty" PU/PE build of a proven design can be a much greener solution in the long run than a succession of boards with the more fashionable designs and fashionable construction techniques.
Thanks for the insight into hemp gdaddy.
Your experience backs up what I've read about hemp being resin thirsty.
Flax seems to be similar depending on the weights and does seem to prefer being bagged.
Sanded AU has an interesting flax/basalt hybrid:
https://www.sanded.com.au/collections/surfboard-reinforcements/products/basalt-flax-hybrid-3oz-woven-cloth
Among a bunch of other interesting fabrics:
https://www.sanded.com.au/collections/surfboard-reinforcements
I 100% agree on the "greenest surfboard" concept. Durability is the greenest attribute to chase. I've gotten to the point where shapes/construction are fairly dialed on proven long-term - 10+ years (using my friends in the industry, not my own work) and am looking into the next step of incorporating more natural materials.
There's still some gains to be had there:
https://renewable-carbon.eu/news/natural-fibres-show-outstandingly-low-co2-footprint-compared-to-glass-and-mineral-fibres/
Realizing that this isn't going to change the world, but as a passion project it's a fun route to go down.
I've been really impressed with how well cork works in surfboards, having ridden cork boards now for 10+ years.
Those fins look good!
Another interesting link to natural materials being used in composite structures:
https://green-boats.de/?lang=en
Mako, forged fins would be interesting, but that's a whole other thread :D
In Europe flax (linen) is often use in composits. Local products specific for composit are fine. Flax is lower density so at same weight need more resin than glass. Notox surfboards make a business with it. Fanatic use it for their eco build, earth boards from bic too, and many others. I use some, glass by hand, need some care like other light fiber.
Hi everyone. I have minimun shaping experience, but do you think that something like this (osnaburg) could work, at least for deck patches? Maybe is not tight enougt, i don't know.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RNcU4yEfIJw
Greetings
Looks good for me but seems a bit thick so may be need more resin so weight will be high. You must glue it with resin and not saturated it like fiberglass. Brush resin on a sealed surface, lay and push fiber in with a bubble free compacter roller, let resin infused and add some over if needed lightly and spread/roll it firm. Fiber must look on the dry side. When resin is set at B stage cover with others layers (clear resin, fiberglass, syntactic foam...).
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