divetheworld

We have made composites for diving applications for some years now and I can tell you that it is very difficult to get it right.
The problem is that the seawater travels/wicks up the bonded fibres when under pressure and finds its way into small cavities. The best you can expect is to find some cosmetic damage to the outer poly resin. The worst is a complete failure of the fibres.
Carbon fibres are actually crap for strength until they are boded with a resin media. If you get some raw carbon and rub it between your fingers, it will disintegrate into powder before your very eyes. If the resin is weakened then the whole structure is wastage.
For diving applications, the whole composite structure has to be sealed with an outer poly coat.

Draeger SCBA cylinders are sealed as far as I know. To what external pressure they will withstand before saltwater ingress occurs...I have no idea.

Brent

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