#Composites

2025-12-18

MEL Composites delivers advanced hull infusion for Técnico Solar Boat’s hydrogen-powered São Gabriel 01

MEL Composites has reinforced its partnership with Técnico Solar Boat through the successful hull infusion of the São Gabriel 01, an 8m long, 2.4m wide, hydrogen-powered hydrofoiling vessel. Designed to compete at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in July 2026, the São Gabriel 01 is the team’s most technically demanding project to date and showcases the future of sustainable marine engineering by combining advanced composite manufacturing with clean energy systems.

Building on a collaboration that has evolved over the past three years, MEL Composites brought its materials expertise and precision infusion technology to the forefront of the project. The hull, one of the most complex structures undertaken by Técnico Solar Boat, required a tailored infusion process to achieve the optimal balance between lightness, stiffness, and hydrodynamic performance.

“The São Gabriel 01 pushed the limits,” said Eduardo Galofre, CEO, Mel Composites. “We worked closely with the team to engineer a structure capable of supporting a hydrofoiling hydrogen propulsion system, where every layer, every fibre, and every resin flow had to perform flawlessly.”

To support the infusion process, MEL recommended and provided a fully integrated composites materials solution tailored to the vessel’s performance requirements. The bespoke package included:

Sicomin InfuGreen 810 epoxy resin - a bio-based, DNV-GL approved marine-grade formulation optimized for vacuum infusion processes. This low-viscosity resin enables precise wet-out and is ideal for complex laminate structures.

Aircell high performance PVC foam core materials selected for excellent compression resistance and low density, ensuring high stiffness to weight ratios in sandwich construction - a key factor in the performance of hydrofoils and hulls.

Complete range of vacuum infusion consumables including vacuum bags, sealant tapes, tubing, fittings, breather and peel ply fabrics, ensuring consistent infusion, traceability and simplified procurement.

“Mel Composites has been a key partner in transforming this ambitious concept into reality,” said Joao Simao, Team Leader, Técnico Solar Boat. “Their experience and precision engineering enabled us to build a hull that’s not only lightweight but capable of withstanding the forces generated during hydrofoiling - a crucial step as we move toward international competition next year.”

The São Gabriel 01 represents a major step forward for Técnico Solar Boat, a fully hydrogen-powered prototype designed to fly above the water on foils, reducing drag and maximizing efficiency. The project embodies the team’s mission to accelerate sustainable innovation in marine mobility.

MEL Composites and Carrocerías Ayats collaborate on lightweight composite window frames

MEL Composites is proud to announce its ongoing collaboration with Spanish bus and coach manufacturer Carrocerías Ayats, showcasing the benefits of advanced composite technologies and scalable manufacturing processes originally developed for the sporting goods sector. The joint development of lightweight composite window frame covers demonstrates how MEL’s process innovation can be successfully transferred to the transportation industry to meet new regulatory and performance goals.

MEL Composites display aerospace, marine and transportation collaborations at JEC World 2025

MEL Composites, a leading Spanish composite solutions provider, is excited to announce its participation at JEC World 2025. The company will showcase a range of innovative composite products, demonstrating its expertise in lightweight, high-performance materials for aerospace, automotive, and marine applications.

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

KARL MAYER at JEC: Multiaxial reinforced CFRP pultrusion profiles are picking up speed in the mobility sector

KARL MAYER Technical Textiles will be showcasing exciting new application potentials for multiaxial non-crimp fabrics in combination with the pultrusion process at the upcoming JEC in Hall 5, Booth C 46. The advancement of the tried-and-tested pultrusion process enables the cost-efficient production of complex CFRP multi-chamber profiles, which are used in the CETROVO high-speed metro. The world's first carbon-intensive lightweight rail vehicle of this type is designed for speeds of up to 140 km/h.

Engineering depth and diversity for composites

Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

Keeping print inclusive: Empowering women in the print industry

Across all industries, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace is increasingly recognised as valuable and essential to long-term success. However, despite the print industry’s significant advancements in technology and innovation, visible representation of women remains limited. As the sector grapples with low recruitment, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions. Creating real change, however, requires collective effort - no single company can do it alone.

Texprocess 2026: market overview for strategic future investments

At Texprocess 2026, 200 exhibitors from 28 countries will be represented. In a challenging market environment, the leading trade fair is a constant and reflects progress in textile processing – driven by automation, digitalisation and AI. In addition, international start-ups present their ideas and meet partners from industry and research. Techtextil takes place in parallel with an optimised hall layout.