Polymer Based Composites in Marine Use: History and Future Trends

Usage of polymer based, fiber reinforced composites (FRP) offers several advantages for naval architects and boat builders to achieve effective and reliable structures. In this study, the short history of FRP boats, mainly in USA and Europe, is given. Future trends of FRP applications in marine industry in terms of materials, production methods and environmental issues are presented to the interest of naval architects and the potential research topics are also underlined briefly.