6 Necessary Facts to know about Fibre-Reinforced Plastic

Steel, wood, aluminium, cement, etc., some of the traditional construction elements, are slowly yet steadily replaced by fibreglass or fibre-reinforced plastic. The composite has become a favourite of the manufacturers and acquired immense recognition all across the globe. Although the material did have widespread applications in the extensive industrial, domestic, and commercial sectors, there are people, who are yet sceptical about its benefits.

In the following write-up, I have chalked some necessary facts about fibreglass, which would successfully change the minds of the doubtful and bring out the brighter side of FRP material. Readers are requested to buy some time and take a close look at the below-mentioned pointers.

1. Fibreglass is manufactured out of pultrusions and it is due to this reason that the composite stands to be one of the strongest materials available in the market. Apart from exceptional tensile strengths, FRP also has immense enduring capabilities due to which it can bear extreme pressure, heavy loads and environmental inconsistencies.
   
2. Although quite strong, fibreglass is light in weight. It is due to this particular reason that the material could be easily carried from one place to another. Moreover, the light-weighted nature saves manufacturers from spending money and hiring labourers for the installation of the FRP products.
   
3. Fibreglass is extremely flexible and thus, could be moulded into desired shapes and sizes. Manufacturers also apply the concept of custom design while constructing items like FRP platforms, angles, sections, beams, etc. The elastic property allows the composite to retain its original shape and not deform even when subjected to detrimental conditions.
   
4. The FRP products could be used in all sorts of settings because they have some amazing resistant properties. Fibreglass is resistant to heat, fire, caustic chemicals and insect infestation. Unlike the traditional materials, this composite would neither rot nor corrode, even when subjected to moist conditions.
   
5. FRP structures maximize the safety quotient in all those domains where they are used. The material is nonconductive and has dielectric properties, hence, have extensive applications in the electrical plants. It is also unaffected by radio, antenna and radar transmissions.
   
6. Finally, yet importantly, fibreglass products are much durable and hence, last for prolonged periods with little or no maintenance. However, if one indulges in regular cleaning as well as polishing, the service life of FRP is likely to expand.

The aforementioned pointers are necessary facts that one must know about fibreglass. It does not matter if you are using FRP instrumentation stands or sections, the stated characteristics would apply to all products.

Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic - The Future of Composites

A composite material is generally made of 2 or more different constituent materials. These primary materials are different than each other in terms of chemicals or physical properties. As a result when they get combined, the final product becomes stronger which can stand heavy corrosion. There are plenty of other benefits of using composite materials like they are stronger, less expensive and lightweight over the traditional materials. Different types of engineered composite materials are:

• Reinforced plastic
• Ceramic composites
• Mortars, Concrete
• Metal composites

What Is The Best Composite Material?

So you have already come to know that composite materials are far better over the traditional materials and you are also aware of different types of composite materials. So here comes the most important question what is the best type of composite material that engineers can choose for building the structure of industrial workshops and plants. Certainly reinforced plastic such as FRP composites is the best material to choose. Read below what is Fibre-reinforced plastic.

What Is Fibre-reinforced Plastic:

As usual FRP or fibre-reinforced plastic is a composite material that is made of two different primary materials such as fibres and polymer matrix. Engineers generally use basalt, carbon, aramid or glass as the fibre. In few cases, we have also seen the uses of other fibre type materials like asbestos, paper or wood. 

The advantage of Using FRP:

FRP offers plenty of benefits that any traditional materials or other composite materials cannot offer. For example, the material is light in weight. As a result, it becomes very easier for the laborers to install FRP made products like composite grating (Moultruded, Pultruded, Conductive, Moulded and Phenolic gratings), stair treads etc. These products can also be installed with regular hand tools. On the other hand, owners do not have to stop their business project for installing these products.

Do not think the strength of your structure will be compromised just because these products are lightweight. FRP made products offer the same heavy strength as steel, wood or aluminum made structures offer. These products can also stand heavy environmental corrosion because neither water nor UV ray can affect these products. They are also shattered resistant and rot proof. These features also enhance the robustness of the product.

Last but not the least, FRP is also known as an anti-slip material so they are able to create an anti-slip surface on the walkways. Once you build an anti-slip deck or platform you can reduce the chances of industrial accidents of falling or slipping in your factory or workshop.

Bottom Line:

So this is all for today. Hope you have enjoyed reading about FRP and why it is considered as the future of composite materials. Time has come to sign off. If you still have a question regarding this, feel free to ask it.