STAGE 4 - CIRCLE SURF PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

After more than two years of research and testing using waste materials from wetsuits and flip-flops, the technical development of the project has led to a joint review of the weight, density and functional performance of the components produced.

Although the results obtained with the two-layer structure indicate the viability of the concept and the process, the total mass of the parts remains too high for practical use on NOMADS Surfing boards.

During the technical meetings in weeks 45 and 46 of 2024, the continuation of development is considered based on a new cork-based formulation, maintaining the objective of circularity and the valorisation of waste materials.

The choice of cork emerges as a natural alternative, given its availability from project partners and its characteristics of lightness and mechanical behaviour.

Preparatory work therefore begins:

1. Collection and characterisation of cork granules from industrial by-products;

2. Analysis of compatibility with the resins already in use (FP175 and FP855);

3. Definition of parameters for density, particle size and pressing temperature;

4. Comparative study of adhesion, comfort and durability compared to previous formulations.

This phase marks the start of a new line of development, focused on transferring the knowledge gained from polymer-based materials to a natural, bio-based material.