On the Structural Response of Innovative Plastic Materials for Boatbuilding Applications

The introduction of innovative materials and the ability to ensure a reduced environmental impact is a topic of significant interest among experts in ship- and boatbuilding sectors. Materials must be able to combine physical and mechanical properties adequate to the intended purpose and uses, while also addressing fundamental aspects of sustainability. As a first aspect, they must ensure recyclability at the end of their lifecycle, combined with low energy consumption and limited exploitation of resources during production. Nowadays, these factors represent key parameters for selecting construction materials, in agreement with the Green Shipbuilding approach. In recent years, innovative plastics able to offer these advantages have been increasingly considered as potential structural materials for small vessels. Indeed, they combine chemical resistance, anti-corrosion properties, and high flexibility while ensuring recyclability possibilities. Given the novelty of adopting such materials for boat construction, it is necessary to investigate their mechanical and strength properties through adequate laboratory testing aimed at characterising maritime applications. The present article, after giving a description of the considered plastic materials in terms of structure and properties, aims to detail a proper experimental campaign for mechanical tests addressed at validating their use for structural purposes in boat constructions.