Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP)
is a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibres. The fibres are usually glass, carbon, aramid, or basalt. Sometimes, other fibres such as paper or wood or asbestos are also used depending on requirements needed. The polymer is usually an epoxy, vinylester or polyester thermosetting plastic; phenol formaldehyde resins are still in use.
FRPs are commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, marine, and construction industries.
Two Categories: Thermoset Resins (most common for structural uses)- Liquid state at room temperature before curing
- Injected into reinforcing fibers prior to heating
- Chemical reaction occurs during heating/curing
- Solid after heating/curing which cannot be reversed
- Solid at room temperature (recycled plastic pellets)
- Heated to liquid state and pressurized to impregnate reinforcing fibers
- Cooled under pressure; Cannot be reversed
