The innovation of composites like FRP or Fibre-reinforced plastic, also known as Fibreglass, is perhaps the greatest advances of the modern era. Because of its exceptionally exclusive characteristics, this material has managed to acquire widespread recognition all across the globe and has quite successfully replaced other conventional metals like wood, cement, etc. Let us take a close look at these features as they are mentioned below in brief.
Unique Characteristics of Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP)
- FRP is a light-weighted material so any kind of items made of it could be installed easily.
- This material has extreme strengths, thus, it could easily endure heavy pressure and excessive loads.
- FRP is quite durable in nature, which means the products made of it seamlessly last for prolonged periods.
- FRP is resistant to fire, heat and corrosive chemicals, hence the items like fibreglass beams, angles, channels, cable trays, ladders etc. could be used in all kinds of settings.
- This material has enough potential to withstand severe weather conditions and environmental inconsistencies.
- FRP does not require much maintenance. This cost-effective material is readily available in the market. It is the simplest solution for all kinds of constructional issues.
Owing to all the above-mentioned points, fibreglass or FRP has found varied applications in manifold sectors starting from aquaculture, hospitality industry, petrochemicals, marine, shipping, wastewater treatment plants, hospitals, food processing units, minerals and public infrastructure.
Now let us talk about the manufacturing process of FRP. These kinds of composites are formed when two or more homogeneous materials, which have distinct characteristics are combined together to produce a final product that has all the desired physical, chemical and mechanical properties.
Manufacturing Process of Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP)
There are two chief ways of making FRP, if one is considered the renowned pultrusion process- addition polymerization and step-growth polymerization.
At first, raw strands of fibres are positioned inside a reel or crack. After being continuously pulled, this material is transferred to an impregnation system. Here the strands are soaked with resin. Then they are passed through a surfacing veil, where the excess resin is removed and the fibres are provided with appropriate shapes. This material is now shifted to a heated die, where it gets reinforced. After the sections come out, they are cut into proper lengths and then distributed in the market.
There are other ways of manufacturing FRP and its items like fibreglass beams, angles, tank covers, ladders etc. They are- injection molding, filament winding, casting and pushthrusion. However, most of the constructors out there prefer using pultrusion because of its adaptable nature.
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