Cuben fibre

[rogo]

I think I have a fetish for materials. What can any one tell me about cuben. I see Ninja has a bit of experience. I am after info on the fabric not made into product.

It is strong, waterproof and extremely light. What else? I know you can buy different grades as well. What happens if you put heat near it? Does it disappear in a cloud of chemicals? If so, is that direct heat from a torch, reflected heat from cooking, too much direct sunlight etc. How does it handle in salt winds? Any winds really.

Thanks

Ro

[silkwood]

Rogo, Cuben is a laminate fibre, with the main strength and flexibility derived from UHMWPE (ultra high mlecular weight polyethhylene). You probably have some of this stuff at home- the white chopping board material! Incidentally, the high molecular weight means extroadinarily low friction, those chopping boards make great sliders for drawers Just don't get caught pinching it! It is laminated to a couple of different bases and uses a few different fibres for strengthening, so there is a variety of options available. Sorry, I'm not familiar with the heat resistance, but the fabric (in all forms) is very UV resistant and can be flexed repeatedly and dramatically without reducing strength. I am about to order some at the moment, and some seal tape and Mylar strengthening tape, so will report back when I finally make my tarp. Hard to get hold of, the first two orders weren't filled, apparently it is only available in small quantities if a large order leaves some left over. We'll see this time.

http://www.questoutfitters.com/coated.h ... %20RIPSTOP

Cheers,

Mark

[Franco]

Find some info here :
http://www.cubictechnology.com/index.htm
this is the official Cuben Fiber (non sails...) site.
But do keep in mind that discussing Cuben fiber can be like discussing Ford cars but not knowing what model we are talking about...
(that is , there is a huge difference in weight and performance from one end of the product line to the other)
Franco