I’m a chemistry student in my final year of my masters at Swansea uni. We have to write a report for a pretend science magazine on a topic of our choice.
I have been surfing for about 5 years now and couldn’t think of a better way to spend all my spare time, however with all the recent press in the last 6 months about Clarke foam and its reasons for closing, be they the real ones or not, I have decided to write my report on the environmental impacts of surfing.
I want to talk about the whole picture, from the blowing of blanks, formulating resins, making surf wax, travel, disposal problems of waste and old boards etc. I do realise that there are obviously trade secrets and patents, but I am finding it very hard finding information about the chemistry of the manufacturing process, and also “greener” alternatives, for example I heard about a lam resin made from carrots but I cant find any info on it.
Does anyone know of any sources of info that would be of help?
Cheers guys
Matt
p.s. This really is a fantastic site. I have tried shaping a few boards myself and I couldn’t have done it without the wisdom of you guys!
I would start by contacting people at SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association) and see where it goes from there. I’m sure that there are lots of chemists in the industry, and I’m sure they’d be happy to talk shop with you.
In fact, there’s a trade show going on now…5/18-21. Too bad you can’t get to it.
You might also want to post in the industry discussion page here at sways.
Contact the Eden project in Cornwall they did some work on a green alternative board a while back, probably can give you some info, Also homeblown might be able to supply you with HAZMAT data sheets, Surfer Against Sewage, might be able to help too.