Diving into the formulation of marine materials: understanding, designing and innovating to meet the demands of the maritime sector
Rooted in southern Brittany and naturally oriented toward the sea, UBSIDE operates at the heart of an ecosystem where materials play a strategic role across multiple maritime industries such as nautical sports, commercial shipping, fishing and aquaculture.
UBSIDE supports innovation by developing tailored material solutions and characterizing new substances to ensure they meet both the technical and environmental needs of today’s and tomorrow’s maritime industries.
what is a “maritime use” material?
A maritime use material is one that is designed or selected to withstand the specific constraints of the marine environment. To ensure its suitability, the choice of material must be based on a comprehensive analysis of the usage environment and the stresses to which it will be exposed, such as:
- environmental and climatic constraints:
extended exposure to salt water, humidity, spray; UV radiation and temperature variations; immersion/emersion cycles - physico-chemical interactions with seawater:
corrosion and oxidation; biological colonization (biofouling); accelerated aging risks due to chemical or biological reactions; water absorption and mechanical property changes - mechanical constraints linked to use:
appropriate buoyancy; optimal resistance in traction, compression, flexion, abrasion, fatigue and interlaminar shear; long-term performance retention - process-related constraints:
design and formulation criteria; compatibility with fabrication processes such as injection, infusion, extrusion and weaving - regulatory and environmental requirements:
reduction of plastic pollution and limits on accidental losses at sea; use of recyclable, biosourced or biodegradable materials; end-of-life adaptation to minimize ecosystem impact; contribution to decarbonization goals
These materials must balance strength, durability, safety and controlled environmental impact to support the maritime sector while aiding the transition toward sustainability.
main families of materials used in marine environments
Among the major material families, polymers and composites play a central role in many marine applications. Their use spans a wide range of sectors for reasons such as lightweight performance, corrosion resistance and durability.
Key domains where these materials are deployed include:
- fishing and aquaculture (professional and recreational): adapted polymeric materials with controlled lifespans that reduce environmental impact
- nautical sports and leisure: technical plastics and composites for light weight, buoyancy and performance in spars, fittings and structural parts
- nautical and offshore applications: composite structural parts (hulls, masts, foils, rudders, keels) that reduce mass while ensuring high mechanical performance
- commercial shipping: composite components that help lighten structures, improve corrosion resistance and reduce fuel consumption
- marine renewable energies (MRE): increasing use of polymers and composites in structures such as blades, anchors, floats and housings, providing rigidity, lightness and marine durability.
how are materials for marine environments designed and tested?
Materials destined for marine applications must undergo rigorous design and testing to ensure performance in harsh conditions. This includes evaluating mechanical resistance, environmental durability, compatibility with manufacturing processes and environmental impact. Trusted methodologies include expert characterization, lifecycle analysis, biodegradability and ecotoxicity assessment.
UBSIDE’s experts combine advanced laboratory techniques with field-relevant testing protocols to ensure materials are fit for purpose, durable and aligned with evolving environmental expectations.
