What Is FRP (Fiberglass Reinforcement Plastic)?

Traditional building materials have their place, but Fiber Reinforced Plastic is the future. FRP has the strength of steel but weighs a fraction of traditional metals or other reinforcements. It can be formed into various profiles to custom suit particular needs, providing countless ways to solve design challenges.

What Is The FRP Material?

FRP or Fiber Reinforced Plastic is a preferred high-performance material that is used to increase the mechanical properties of the compounded polymers. Fiberglass plastic is made up of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers such as aramid, basalt, carbon, or glass. In some instances, asbestos, paper, or wood also makes it to the composition. It has been used in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries among others.

How Is FRP Fiberglass Made?

Using matrix resins, either thermoset or thermoplastic, with complementary characteristics, bond with the fiberglass to produce the final product which fulfills the material and mechanical properties.

The designed fiberglass enhances the mechanical strength of FRP. The matrix resin material is free from fiber reinforcement and requires the addition of reinforcing filaments. These fibers are what differentiate FRP from a parent polymer.  Lastly, a mold is used to place the dry fiber. Curing takes place after that, and the matrix and fiber take the mold’s shape. Pressure and heat can also be used as a part of this process. 

Advantages

FRP offers a unique range of advantages. The material is dynamic which makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of infrastructural projects. Some of its major benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • FRP is entirely non-sparking

  • Low to no maintenance required

  • Relatively low production time

  • Fiberglass reinforced plastic is long-lasting, offering long-term savings

  • Unlike aluminum, carbon steel, or other conventional materials, FRP plastic is corrosion resistant

  • FRP is fire-resistant, non-skid, and does not deform upon impact

  • UV radiation stability and structural integrity

  • High-grade environmental resistance

  • Low thermal conductivity, maintains a consistent temperature

  • Less weight (≈ 1/4th of steel and 2/3rd of aluminum)

  • Installation does not require heavy engineering or welding

Although fiberglass reinforced plastics are lighter and require less time for installation, they also provide the required strength, quality, and durability for most projects. The initial FRP material cost may be slightly more but ultimately saves on future expenses such as labor cost, repairs, reconstructions etc.

Looking For A Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Manufacturer? Call Us!

Verretec’s unique expertise, technology, and products surpass traditional standards of glass reinforcement. You can call us at (724) 543-2333 to explore what technical innovation we can help bring to your business. You can also fill in this contact form for more information, and our representative will get back to you.