UK Surfboards from Natural Materials

Because of the green agenda there is currently a great deal of interest in natural materials across all sectors. The Polymer Sector of the Materials KTN has been investigating the degree to which natural fibres are being used in sports applications (a highly technical area for the top class athletes). One researcher, Richard Lomax, from Plymouth University Surf and Science department has been looking to produce surfboards from naturally derived matrices and also incorporating natural fibres to manufacture a 100% sustainably derived product. The Materials KTN was invited to speak at the InCrops event by Dr Liliya Serazetdinova hosted by the University of Essex. The Materials KTN invited Richard to showcase his ‘board to the attendees.

The board is comprised of 96% UV activated bio resin, a recycled leash and a bio plastic leash plug. Richard had hoped to use bamboo fibre as the reinforcing material but this has not been possible due to the UV cure system of the bio-resin.  As a result of the networking opportunity provided to Richard, he is now in contact with the University of Exeter to address this issue.

Richard has also developed a software program to calculate cradle to grave Life cycle analysis data. The standard ‘board emits 130.8kg CO2 in production and uses 1437.65MJ of energy in its lifetime. The plant based board emits 77.26kg CO2 and uses 695.23MJ energy in its lifetime.