Materials Research at IFREMER, the French Ocean Research Institute

IFREMER is a French institute that undertakes research and expert assessments to advance knowledge on the oceans and their resources, monitor the marine environment and foster the sustainable development of maritime activities. The Marine Structures Laboratory performs R&D projects in two main areas: Hydrodynamics and Materials. After a brief overview of the activities of the Institute, this presentation will focus on the latter. From early studies on materials for boats 30 years ago the group has built up experience in the use of polymers and composites for a wide range of marine applications. Today the focus is on durability, in particular for marine energy applications, with a range of test facilities to simulate the marine environment. Examples will be given describing studies on elastomers, syntactic foams, fibre rope moorings and composite materials.