Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic :FRP
Fiberglass reinforced plastic, commonly known as fiberglass,
was developed commercially after World War II. Since that time, the use of
fiberglass has grown rapidly
The term “fiberglass” describes a Fiberglass reinforced
plastic, commonly known as fiberglass, was developed commercially after World
War II. Since that time, the use of fiberglass has grown rapidly. thermoset
plastic resin that is reinforced with glass fibers. In this manual, the more general
terms Fiber Reinforced Plastic/ Composites or FRP/Composites will be used to
describe these extremely useful material systems.
Plastic resins come in two different classes - thermosets
and thermoplastics. From a practical perspective, it’s easy to remember that
thermosets maintain their molded shape at higher temperatures and cannot be
melted and reshaped. Thermoplastics will melt at a given temperature and can be
solidified into new shapes by cooling to ambient temperatures.
Reinforcing fibers include glass, carbon, aramid and other
man-made and natural materials that are further described in (Fiber_) These are used in a variety of forms and combinations to
provide the required properties.
The plastic resin systems determine chemical, electrical,
and thermal properties. Fibers provide strength, dimensional stability, and
heat resistance. Additives provide color and determine surface finish and
affect many other properties such as weathering and flame retardance.
Final properties are determined by many factors including
the type, amount, and composition of the resin systems and reinforcements. In
addition, the use of additives can greatly affect the FRP/Composite properties.