When selecting materials for a product, many factors must be considered in the final decision. Often, engineers need to consider both the product's end users and the people who will support its production.In addition to providing optimal functionality for the end user, the materials used in construction or design should be efficient and cost-effective.
Fiber-reinforced polymers fit this description. The question is, what is an FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer), and how can it benefit your product?
Read on to learn about FRP products:
What Is An FRP?
Also known as fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), this composite material consists of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers.
In general, the fibers can be either aramid, basalt, or carbon, with paper, asbestos, or wood being used in some cases. The result is typically flexible plastic panels that are made from polyester resin and reinforced with fiberglass.
It has a diversity of uses, including in the aerospace, transport, construction, and marine sectors, and many others.
The Formation Process for FRPs
To truly understand the formation of FRPs, it is essential to understand how polymers are formed- either through addition polymerization or step-growth polymerization.
Ideally, composite plastics are formed by combining two or more homogeneous materials with different properties to produce a final product that matches the desired material and mechanical properties.
These composite materials can then be subdivided into two: particle-reinforced and fiber-reinforced.
The latter option is achieved by incorporating fiber materials into the plastics, thereby increasing their elasticity and mechanical strength.
In comparison, the matrix- which is the core material before fiber reinforcement- is hard but weaker. In a nutshell, fiber is the key differentiating factor between FRP and polymer.
To form most of these plastics, a variety of molding processes may be required. Ideally, a tool or mold is used to place the constituent dry fiber, the preform fiber, or the fiber containing specific resin portions.
The first step is using resin to 'wet' the dry fiber before the 'curing' process begins- the matrix and fibers take the shape of the mold or die.
Heat and pressure are also applied occasionally in this stage. Different methods are used, including compression molding, mandrel molding, bladder molding, filament winding, and autoclaving.
Why Use FRPs?
Short Production and Installation Times
Ideally, when developing your product design, factor in the time required for the entire project and for each production stage.
If you save time on the nitty-gritty parts of the project, you also reduce its cost. As long as the quality isn't sacrificed, this will be a step in the right direction.
FRP provides the perfect balance of time savings and durability, strength, and quality. This can easily be linked to its short installation and production time.
They Are Lightweight
FRPs' weight tends to go hand in hand with their short installation requirements. In fact, it is up to eight times lighter than reinforced concrete.
This also means that it is less labor-intensive to install and remove FRPs, and less equipment is needed.
Corrosion and Maintenance
Since it offers high strength and durability, and resistance to corrosion, FRP tends to require less maintenance.
This reduced maintenance burden means fewer resources will be used to support the ad hoc infrastructure, and the end user is likely to experience less downtime.
While the initial cost of FRPs may be slightly higher than that of other materials, the long-term savings you can achieve make the extra cost worth it.
It Is Highly Flexible
FRPs are typically very versatile. You can use them to do more things than you would have done with other materials.
For instance, you can mold any configuration or piece of equipment, which can further help you create a permanent or temporary mold.
You can make a variety of parts, from circular to rectangular transitions, rods and tubes, channels and bars, with minimal tooling costs.
Thermal Insulation
Some products require a certain level of thermal insulation. Depending on the FRP's composition, you can achieve a commendable level of thermal insulation. This can include insulation from fire and even UV radiation.
Common Fibers Used
1. Glass
Glass is typically an excellent insulation material. When blended with the matrix, it forms glass-reinforced plastics, also known as fiberglass. Compared with carbon fiber, however, it is less brittle and more expensive, but less intense and rigid.
2. Carbon-Based Fiber
This option offers several beneficial features, including high tensile strength, stiffness, chemical resistance, and temperature tolerance, as well as low weight and low thermal expansion.
Ideally, the carbon atoms tend to form crystals along the long axis of the fiber. Such an alignment strengthens the material by increasing the strength-to-volume ratio.
3. Aramid
This fiber component typically results in heat-resistant and robust synthetic fibers. It has a wide range of applications across industries.
FRP vs. GRP
Both FRP and GRP are commonly confused, but they are quite different. As mentioned above, FRP is a composite material composed of high-strength fibers, such as those used in fiberglass composites, embedded in a polymer matrix.
Their high strength and low weight make them highly valuable for both commercial and engineering applications. Ideally, they are used as substitutes for wood and metal.
On the other hand, fiberglass (GRP) is made from polyester, epoxy, or vinyl resin and is composed of glass fibers. Its uses include manufacturing boats, bathtubs, and gliders. GRP is typically an FRP and is primarily used in commercial applications.
Fiber-reinforced polymers have revolutionized multiple industries. From being corrosion-resistant and heat-resistant to being lightweight, they are ideal substitutes for conventional construction materials.
Contact us to access reinforced composites that are tailored to your needs. Tencom is a custom fiberglass
