Royalex
Royalex is a composite material, comprising an outer layer of Vinyl and hard acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic (ABS) and an inner layer of ABS foam. The layers are bonded by heat treatment.[1]
[edit] Development
Royalex was developed by the Uniroyal company but in 2000 the Spartech Corporation took over the Uniroyal Royalex Manufacturing Division and secured the rights to manufacture Royalex at their factory in Warsaw, Indiana.[2]
[edit] Uses
Royalex is used for the manufacture of canoe hulls. Royalex is lighter, more resistant to uv damage from sunlight, is more rigid, and has greater structural memory than non-composite plastics used for this purpose, such as polyethylene. It is also quieter, faster, and more user friendly in cold or hot conditions than aluminium. Royalex canoes are, however, more expensive than aluminium canoes or canoes made from traditionally molded or roto-molded polyethylene hulls.[1]
It is heavier, and less suited for high-performance paddling than fiber-reinforced composites, such as fiberglass, kevlar, or graphite.
[edit] References
- ^ a b "Royalex (RX)". http://www.roscocanoes.com.au/FAQ%60s/Materials%20%20Manufactoring/Royalex%20(RX)-253.aspx. Retrieved 20 November 2010.
- ^ "Plastics and Whitewater Boats". http://www.mv.com/users/morris/paddling/boat-repair/plastics.html. Retrieved 20 November 2010.
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