Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) is a composite manufactured out of polymers like vinylester, epoxy, polyester thermosetting plastic, etc. and reinforcing fibres like glass, aramid, carbon, and basalt. It is due to their distinctive properties that FRP managed to acquire widespread application in the extensive commercial and industrial sectors.
In the following write-up, let us explore some of the standard and additional characteristics of FRP due to which it has quite successfully replaced the conventional construction elements like steel, iron, cement, etc. and turned out to be a favourite of the manufacturers.
Standard Properties
- All FRP-made products such as angles, beams, sections, grating, etc. are extremely light in weight and thus, could be installed easily without any sort of hassle.
- Although light-weighted, FRP is noted for having high tensile strengths and enduring capabilities due to which it can withstand intense pressure as well as heavy loads.
- FRP has great structural integrity moulded specifically to close dimensional tolerances and retain the adverse in-service conditions.
- The material has great resistant properties. FRP remains unaffected even when subjected to fire, heat, caustic chemicals and insect infestation.
- Fibre-reinforced plastic could bond with dissimilar materials. FRP grating structures could be manufactured by effectually combining the concerned composite with other elements.
- FRP is non-conductive and have excellent insulating properties. This material could easily attenuate sound and its quality never degrades even when it is exposed to harsh UV rays.
- Manufacturing products out of FRP is a cost-effective procedure. One can easily work with simple carpentry tools and there is no need for complex and expensive paraphernalia.
Additional Properties
- FRP is anti-corrosive. Thus, the structures like grating clips, tanks, fins, blading screens, etc. made out of the material could be used in moist conditions.
- FRP is a durable material that can exceptionally resist abrasion. The products made out of it could easily last for prolonged periods with little or no maintenance. However, a bit of polishing and waxing would allow the structures to retain its brand-new lustre.
- FRP is customizable. In other words, the structures made out of this material could be tailored to meet the requirements and expectations of modern-day consumers.
- The productivity rates that a manufacturer could expect to get by using FRP products like beams, sections, phenolic grating, nosing, handrails, etc. is medium to high.
The aforementioned pointers are beneficial characteristics of fibre-reinforced plastic or FRP. Now that you are acquainted with these, I hope you do understand as to why an increasing number of manufacturers prefer the composite over other traditional materials.
