6 Dec 2007
DIMENSION-POLYANT AND DSM DYNEEMA SUCCESSFULLY VALIDATE NOVEL D4® MEMBRANE SAILCLOTH TECHNOLOGY FEATURING ULTRA-STRONG, LOW STRETCH DYNEEMA® FIBER
New D4® Sail with Dyneema® SK78 endures 4,300-Mile Transat Jacques Vabre Race in Perfect Condition
URMOND (NL), December 6, 2007 - DIMENSION-POLYANT and DSM Dyneema today announced the successful performance of the new D4® membrane sailcloth that features Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. The innovative D4® sails were used by Marc Emig and Bertrand de Broc, racing for the AST Groupe Française in an Open 40 in the 4,300-mile Transat Jacques Vabre race. After enduring the Atlantic crossover from Le Havre, France, to Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, the sail was found to be in perfect condition.
The unsurpassed strength-to-weight ratio and extreme modulus and low stretch of the Dyneema® polyethylene fiber offers sail makers the possibility to engineer sails which are lighter whilst keeping their shape. This results in greater speed and easier sail handling for sailors, particularly in racing and endurance racing. The DSM material is extremely resistant to abrasion, UV light and salt water. This combined with its excellent flex fatigue properties allows sails to be used over a longer period of time compared to conventional membrane sails with e.g. carbon or aramid fibers.
Unlike carbon fiber, Dyneema® is nearly transparent to onboard radar energy, making it the material of choice for e.g single handed offshore races.
“After four years of development using Dyneema® fiber, we have found that this material significantly enhances the value of our D4® membrane technology. Dyneema® further reduces sailcloth weight and boosts strength for optimal shape retention, durability and performance,” said Uwe Stein, Managing Director, DIMENSION-POLYANT. “With the tremendous results of our sailcloth test during the Transat Jacques Vabre race, we are fully confident about launching this new product next year.”
DIMENSION-POLYANT D4® sail membranes are custom-made using Dyneema® fiber. The production process begins with the first external surface. A computer-controlled machine then lays the Dyneema® fiber in accurate curved arrays; depending upon the complexity of the design, this can comprise a number of layers. Once this process is complete the second external surface is positioned and the lamination is formed using extreme pressure and controlled heat to bond the films and fibers.
“We are pleased at the exceptional performance of the first membrane sail made with Dyneema® fiber, as our technology has been repeatedly proven in the most demanding conditions,” said Rolf van Beeck, Business Manager Sports for DSM Dyneema. “We believe the D4® sail technology featuring Dyneema® will help boats achieve greater speed, and provide exceptional durability. We congratulate DIMENSION-POLYANT on their successful trial of the new D4® sails with Dyneema®.”
About DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.
Dyneema® is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com and www.extremeriggingperformance.com
About DSM
DSM creates innovative products and services in life sciences and materials sciences, contributing to the quality of life. DSM's products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and enjoyable way of living. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics & electronics, life protection and housing. The company strategy, Vision 2010 - Building on Strengths, focuses on accelerating profitable and innovative growth of the company's specialties portfolio. The key drivers of this strategy are market-driven growth and innovation, an increased presence in emerging economies and operational excellence. DSM has annual sales of almost €9 billion and employs some 22,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australia. More information on DSM can be found at www.dsm.com.
Dyneema® and Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™ are trademark(s) (applications) owned by Royal DSM N.V.
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