FiberCore Europe in conjunction with Delft University of Technology (TU Delft, The Netherlands), recently completed a world first by manufacturing an FRP composite bridge using bio-resins, the structure being 15 metres in length by 2 metres wide.
Basalt fibres and bio-based polyester resin are the main raw ingredients in the bridge – basalt fibres are extracted from basalt rock, the igneous volcanic rock that is created by the solidification of lava. The polyester resin used is partly of natural origin whereby vegetable glycerine is a key part of the process classing it as a bio-resin.
The end result is a high performance structure, expected to last at least 100 years with only a very basic maintenance requirement that is made mainly from natural materials and is 100% recyclable at the end of it useful life.
SIS is proud to partner with such an innovative and sustainably minded Company in Europe and look forward to bringing this technology to Australia & New Zealand and the wider Oceania region.