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R&D

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Main Research

Expanding what marine structural
composites can do.

We research materials and processes that deliver light weight,
impact resistance, and environmental durability together.
We are developing high-durability HDPE composites for ship structures,
buoyancy systems, offshore plant components, and
other demanding marine applications.

Functional materials R&D

Tailored to each hull zone

01. Anti-fouling material development
(marine growth control)

Keeping marine life off the hull improves fuel economy, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and lowers maintenance such as cleaning and recoating.

  • Biofouling can raise a vessel’s GHG emissions by up to 55%; anti-fouling materials are developed to mitigate these impacts.
  • Research samples produced in collaboration with LG Electronics
  • Marine growth testing underway with Korea Maritime Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI) (through April 2025)
Anti-fouling test specimens

Specimen preparation and marine growth evaluation
for anti-fouling testing

02. High-quality recycled
HDPE composite research

High-grade recycled HDPE compounds that use recycled feedstock while keeping performance variation tight, supporting circularity and lower carbon in maritime.

  • HDPE grades for ship applications using post-consumer recycled (PCR) content
  • PCR supply value chain secured; property testing completed
  • Pursuing Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification (target ~2026)
GRS certification

GRS certification logo (certification targeted by 2026)

03. High-heat, low-shrink composites for engine spaces

Materials with higher heat resistance for hot engine-bay conditions and minimal shrinkage and warpage during forming and service.

04. Wheelhouse anti-static research (Anti-Static)

Materials that limit electrostatic buildup around the bridge and electronics, protecting instrumentation and controls and improving operational safety.

05. Outer-shell fire-retardant research

Fire-retardant solutions for hull exteriors to improve safety in a fire and reduce smoke and heat release.

06. Welding and thermoforming–compatible processes

Materials used across the hull are designed to stay compatible with welding and thermoforming so they fit real shipyard and production workflows.

Functional materials development workflow

STEP 01

Front-end research

STEP 02

Formulation design

STEP 03

Material production trial

STEP 04

Property analysis

(composition, mechanical, thermal)

STEP 05

Extrusion & forming of stock

(sheet, welding rod, etc.)

STEP 06

Material production trial

(hull prototypes,
class society certification tests)

Dedicated materials R&D

Dedicated 3D printing materials for ships

We develop dedicated 3D printing feedstocks and prototypes based on high-performance HDPE compounds for eco-friendly ships and parts.

Proprietary feedstock development and prototype builds are underway in parallel,
with domestic and international partners on technology and business collaboration
to commercialize 3D-printed boat production.

Core research themes include stronger interlayer adhesion in 3D printing
and minimizing process shrinkage and distortion.

Dedicated materials development workflow

STEP 01

Feedstock development

HDPE material development for 3D printing

  • Rheological behavior and processability review
  • Additive formulation design for printability
  • Production of dedicated 3D printing feedstock
  • Basic property testing (MFR, tensile strength, etc.)

STEP 02

Process parameters

Optimization of build parameters and process conditions

  • Tuning nozzle and bed temperatures, layer thickness, and related settings
  • Print trials and defect root-cause analysis
  • Stabilized 3D printing process

STEP 03

Build & validation

Prototype printing and validation with 3D scanning

  • Prototypes built from part drawings provided by HD Hyundai Samho
  • Dimensional and defect inspection via 3D scanning
  • Prototypes completed to near production-ready quality

STEP 04

Commercialization

Building blocks such as an overseas partner network

  • Stakeholder feedback after sharing prototype results
  • Follow-on collaboration with overseas partners
  • Exploring expansion of PoC part families
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