subject: Fibre Reinforced Plastic(frp) [print this page] Fibre-reinforced Plastic or fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) are composite materials made up of a polymer matrix strengthened with fibres. The fibers are generally fiberglass, carbon, or aramid, while the polymer is typically an epoxy, vinylester or polyester thermosetting plastic. FRPs are most commonly used for various industrial and commercial applications in the aerospace, automotive, marine, and construction industries. FRP can be used for strengthening the beams, columns and slabs in buildings. A fibre-reinforced plastic is cost-effective, faster, and easier to manufacture than cast aluminum or steel, and sometimes retains excellent material strengths.
The commonly used fibre reinforced plastics could be classified into: Carbon fiber reinforced polymers and Glass fiber reinforced polymers.
Carbon fiber reinforced polymers
Let us take an example from the aviation industry. Manufacturing the rudder of an A310 Airbus using carbon fiber reinforced polymers will offer significant benefits when compared to a a traditional rudder made from sheet aluminum. The major advantages include : 25% reduction in weight and 95% reduction in components by combining simpler molded parts.
This example reveals that the use of carbon fiber reinforced polymers for the manufacture of components in an airplane could bring about a tremendous reduction in production and operational costs and enhanced fuel savings.
Glass fiber reinforced polymers
Here let us take an example from the field of automotive engineering, preferably the instance of an engine intake manifold made from glass fiber reinforced PA 66. An intake manifold is a part of an engine that supplies fuel or air mixture to the cylinders.
Enormous reduction in components by combining simpler molded parts.
If automotive gas and clutch pedals aremade from glass fiber reinforced PA 66, it offers numerous advantages over stamped aluminum. This includes:
Pedals can be molded as single units using a combination of both pedals and mechanical linkages. This simplifies the production and operation of the design.
Fibers are flexible enough to be strengthened against specific stresses. This increases their durability and safety.
