The Industries Use The Properties of FRP Composites To Their Advantage

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) or Glass reinforced Polymer (GRP) made with fiberglass chopped strand mat 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.