Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

For a Kayak repair, which Carbon Kevlar Sheet, 210 Twill or 188 Plain Weave?

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic36275.aspx

By Scarp - 4/17/2020 1:59:55 PM

I have watched the repair video for the kayak hull cracks and need to repair mine. I ordered the different carbon-kevlar sheets (210gm Twill and the 188 Plain Weave) as listed. When I reviewed the video, I am not sure which sheet to use and where? For the two-layer reconstruction do I use the 210 as the base with the 188 as a top layer or visa versa or use either the 210 or 188 for both layers. I have a cracked front hull below the waterline and a left-sided cockpit compression fracture. Thanks for your advice.
By Scarp - 4/17/2020 2:25:53 PM

Matt (Staff) - 4/17/2020 2:15:55 PM
Hi, well, the good news is that it really wouldn't matter which you use. They're very similar materials and for use the size of a repair the difference in their performance and handling would be negligible. Quite simply, if you already have visible carbon/kevlar are the boat then you should choose the fabric that most closely matches the reinforcement that's been used on the area you're repairing.

Where the appearance is irrelevant then the 210g is a slightly heavier cloth so will add a bit more protection per layer. Being a 2x2 twill weave it also drapes a little more easily than the 188g and so is better around more compound curvatures. Conversely, the plain weave is a little tighter and less drap-able and so is easier to handle on flatter areas. 

Thank you Matt, that explains the differences and how they can best be used on curves and flatter surfaces very well. Much appreciated