Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) or Glass reinforced Polymer (GRP) is an extremely versatile material. FRP composites and their properties can be specifically tailored for the end product. This is accomplished by adjusting the:
- Resin matrix (epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, etc)
- Fiber reinforcement (carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar, etc)
- Amount of fiber reinforcement used
- Orientation of the fiber (Unidirectional, woven, 0/90, etc)
- Fabrication process (Hand laminating, closed molding, pultrusion, etc)
- Fillers or additives (Fire resistant materials, UV blockers, etc.)
These many variables allow engineers and designers to manipulate the FRP composites depending on the application. This also makes FRP composites an ideal material for a wide range of applications. The major industries using FRP composites are:
- Construction
- FRP doors and windows
- Bathtubs, hot tubs, and shower stalls
- Portable buildings
- Swimming pools
- Architectural Panels
- Counter tops and sinks
- Electrical / Power Generation
- Wind turbine blades and nacelles
- Power lines
- Power poles and transmission towers
- Circuit boards
- Marine
- Boats, yachts, kayaks, canoes, etc
- Docks
- Pilings
- Consumer
- Sporting goods
- Hobbies
- Art and sculptures
- Corrosion / Infrastructure
- Tanks and vessels
- Pipes
- Bridges
- Pollution control
- Transportation
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Rail and mass-transit
- Recreation Vehicles
- Heavy Trucking
The list of products and applications using FRP composites is long and growing, and it is because of the malleability of the properties that allow FRP composites to dominate such a wide range of industries and products.
