STAGE 1 - CIRCLE SURF PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

Following the definition of the concept and technical objectives, the project enters a phase of intensive testing in both laboratory and industrial settings.

The first compression moulding tests are carried out, based on the recovery of waste from neoprene wetsuits and beach flip-flops. This stage seeks to identify processing parameters – density, resin percentage, temperatures and cycle times – with a view to producing functional prototypes of the PAD.

Various resin formulations – FP160, FP175, FP850 and FP855 – are tested in combination with granules derived from the two types of waste. Among these, the FP175 and FP855 resins show promising behaviour in terms of cohesion and flexibility and are considered for the development of the first prototypes.

The tests carried out indicate that densities close to 600 g/dm³ and resin percentages between 20 and 25% may contribute to good compaction and resistance to deformation.

In parallel, work begins on developing the mould design for the PAD, paving the way for a possible transition of the project from the laboratory environment to an industrial context.