Composites are created when two or more materials are combined with a polymer matrix.
So, by combining glass, aramid, or carbon with a polymer, the resulting end product is a strong, lightweight Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) profile that is lighter, corrosion-resistant, and easier to handle, transport, and install than old-school materials such as wood, aluminum, and steel.
Today, FRPs are used in a variety of applications across sectors. Beyond building and construction (new and retrofit projects), infrastructure, automotive, telecommunications, and so on, FRP profiles have properties that make them suitable for a variety of applications. FRPs are excellent for use in protective equipment such as fireproof clothing, body and vehicle armor, and ballistic-resistant components.
We take a look at a few of these applications.
Body and Vehicle Armor
Aramid fibers provide high strain-to-failure properties, meaning that the composites spread the force of impact energy by bending instead of breaking. FRP profiles also provide exceptional resistance to abrasive and thermal impact. In other words, aramid is an incredibly strong fiber.
So, what is aramid fiber? Aramid is a material that can be made into high-performance synthetic fibers. Aramid molecules are rigid, straight, and insoluble, and are ideal for spinning into textiles, filaments, or sheets. As such, aramid fibers are suitable for use in personal protective equipment (PPE) as they are durable and strong: the strong bonds between relatively short molecules form long chains that efficiently transfer mechanical stress.
Attributes of Aramid
- Excellent heat and flame resistance ─ Aramid fibers are flame-retardant, heat-resistant, and do not melt or ignite under extreme conditions up to >500°C. These features ensure good fabric integrity at increased temperatures.
- Outstanding strength ─ Aramid fibers outperform steel and glass fibers of equal weight in terms of mechanical properties. They offer exceptional resistance to abrasion and cutting.
- High chemical resistance ─ Aramid fibers are 100% synthetic and provide excellent resistance against chemical splashes and flashovers. Their chemical resistance is excellent around organic solvents.
- Non-conductive ─ Aramid fibers do not conduct electricity and are an excellent overall insulator.
Wind Turbine Blades
FRP profiles have high strength, lightweight, and anti-corrosion properties, which make them capable of tolerating high winds and extreme weather conditions.]
One such example is turbine blades, which are exposed to environmental elements such as high winds. For this reason, FRPs can be precisely manufactured with careful consideration of contours, curves, and aerodynamics. This improves electrical generation and reduces resistance.
Utilities
The utilities sector is shifting its focus towards using FRPs to replace traditional materials such as steel, wood, or concrete in new and/or retrofit projects for structural applications such as cross-arms, poles, and towers. Properties such as resistance to environmental factors, durability, tensile strength, and sustainability are driving growth for FRPs.
FRPs ─ because of attributes such as low weight, high strength, and flexibility ─ are used to fashion horizontal axes for wind turbines. Such properties are required for applications that must withstand wind, rain, and offshore placement, as well as chance encounters with birds.
Compared with other composites in the field, fiberglass is strong and less likely to snap under impact.
In its 2020 report, market analyst Lucintel projected that, despite a 2020 economic downturn due to the global pandemic, the global utility pole market would see an uptick in demand in 2021, reaching an estimated $53.3 billion by 2025. From 2020 to 2025, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is pegged at 3% to 5%.
Industrial Equipment
FRPs can be used in environments that are corrosive, contain toxic materials or are exposed to salt water or chemicals. As FRPs (particularly fiberglass) are durable, versatile and maintain their structural integrity, FRPs play a critical role in maintaining the safety and viability of other parts of the structure.
Conventional aluminum scaffolding oxidizes. Materials used in pultruded fiberglass scaffolding do not.
Fiberglass can also help reduce surface damage and clean-up time thanks to its structural integrity and portability: fewer dings and scrapes are caused by shifting scaffolding during painting, remodeling, drywall, and interior building maintenance tasks.
Pultruded fiberglass products can include cable trays and ladders, delivering corrosion resistance and anti-aging performance for harsh, demanding, or sensitive environments connected with petroleum, chemical, power, and light industries, as well as broadcast TV, telecommunications, and other digital fields.
Aerospace
The aerospace industry has very exacting demands ─ it requires corrosion-resistant components with a high thermal tolerance. FRPs are lightweight and strong and help to reduce component weight when compared to traditional materials like aluminum, steel, and titanium.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that aerospace engineers are turning toward pultruded FRPs to meet their needs.
Pultruded FRPs, such as those manufactured by Tencom, are relatively low-cost, structurally sound, and durable, and are leading the way in aerospace innovation.
Thanks to their versatility, current applications of FRPs in aerospace are extremely varied and range from the manufacturing of interior elements to load-bearing structural pieces.
In both commercial and military aircraft, FRP composites are used in a variety of applications, including luggage bins, trolleys, radomes, brackets, and even more substantial structures like the fuselage. Within space travel and exploration, FRP composites are contributing to the innovation of lightweight satellites and rockets.
Tunnels for Indoor Flight Chambers
Indoor skydiving flight chambers rely on several critical components to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for users. A combination of axial fans, air ducts, and turning vanes drives air through the flight chamber to create the lift needed for flight.
In these instances, in place of concrete or metal, FRPs are used in air duct construction to reduce turbulence, reduce noise and vibration, and improve the overall aerodynamic performance of these systems.
The Takeaway
If you have projects that need profiles exhibiting characteristics such as superior dimensional stability, tolerance to specific parameters, low maintenance, high durability and lower manufacturing costs, then consider FRPs.
Tencom has been working with project leads and managers to realize a wide range of profile possibilities for over 27 years. Our team of experienced designers and engineers is dedicated to helping you customize profiles for your projects. Talk to us today.
