The properties of fibre-reinforced plastic
Fibre-reinforced plastic products are well-suited for demanding objects. The products are dimensionally accurate representative and sustainable, providing almost limitless designing possibilities. Objects demanding mechanical strength, objects demanding the ability to withstand chemicals or objects otherwise demanding major technical properties and shapes are the best thing that can be achieved with fibre-reinforced plastics. The finished product can be painted or taped to wanted appearance.
Reinforced plastics are a recent class of materials in which the low modulus and temperature limitations of plastic is overcome by reinforcing it with fibres of high modulus. Reinforced plastics find extensive use in many fields, such as automobiles and corrosion-resistant equipment like fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks, vessels, etc. Reinforced plastics, also known as polymer-matrix composite (PMC) and fiber reinforced plastics (FRP), consist of fibers (the discontinuous or dispersed, phase) in a polymer matrix (the composition phase). These fibers are strong and stiff and they have high specific strength (strength-to-weight ratio) and specific stiffness (stiffness-to-weight ratio). In addition, reinforced-plastic structures have improved fatigue resistance, greater toughness and higher creep resistance than those made of unreinforced plastics.
Properties granted by technical additional materials
Acid resistance
Chemical resistance
Temperature resistance
Increasing rigidity
Strength
Sub-zero temperature resistance
Thermal conductivity
Properties and malleability
Fibre-reinforced plastic consists of polyester resin with glass fiber as stiffener. There are also a variety of composite materials to provide the right kind of strength for different uses.
The UV-radiation resistance of FRP is excellent. When necessary the product can be made so as to withstand strong acids and high temperatures. There are also nonflammable options among the materials.
FPR is easy to fix, unlike other types of plastic.
Why glass fiber, not plastic or plate?
- Plastic doesn’t tolerate UV-radiation, it becomes brittle over time.
- The plastic goes through thermal expansion, size changes over time.
- In sub-zero temperatures plastic becomes brittle whereas glass fiber strengthens.
- Glass fiber products are always fixable unlike plastic
- The life of glass fiber is manifold compared to plastic, glass fiber is almost eternal
- It is possible to add materials to glass fiber, changing it’s appearance and properties
- Glass fiber can be dyed or taped to appearance wished for
- Glass fiber can be given burnished surface and color, tapes can be easily attached to it
- It is easier to keep glass fiber clean than plastic
- Glass fiber doesn’t corrode
- Strength properties on a par with plate.
- The safety of coverings is increased due to the fact that glass fiber can’t be cut with a knife unlike plastic