What is FRP?

  Thank you for Signing Up

Read more

Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) is a composite material made up of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers such as glass, carbon, or aramid. Its lightweight and strong characteristics lead to numerous applications across various industries, including construction, aerospace, automotive, and marine, among others.

The development of FRP traces back to the invention of Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic created by Leo Baekeland, marking a significant milestone in composite materials. This hard, moldable substance was made from phenol and formaldehyde, paving the way for FRP's emergence. Early aviation pioneers, such as Norman de Bruyne in the UK, were instrumental in experimenting with FRP in the aviation industry.

In the early 1930s, Games Slayter discovered a method for producing glass wool by using compressed air on molten glass, leading to patent applications. By the mid-1930s, Owens-Illinois collaborated with Corning to adapt this process to produce fiberglass, which revolutionized the industry. Du Pont further advanced the technology by developing a resin suitable for combining fiberglass with plastic, creating a composite material with remarkable strength properties, despite reducing insulation effectiveness.

Ray Greene of Owens Corning produced the first composite boat in 1941, but the brittleness of the plastics at the time limited progression. In the same era, Russia constructed a plastic passenger boat, while the United States manufactured an aircraft fuselage and wings using FRP.

The Stout Scarab became the first vehicle featuring a fiberglass body, while the Fairchild F-46 or Bennett Plastic Plane were likely the first fiber-reinforced plastic planes to take flight around the same period. Following advancements in composite materials, the Vultee BT-19 became the first aircraft equipped with a GFRP fuselage, flying successfully in 1941.

During the production of aramid fibers, carbon fiber manufacturing began in the late 1950s. Presently, glass, carbon, and aramid fibers are the most common types used in FRP, each selected for various industrial applications that demand specific strength and elasticity.

Advantages of FRP

1. High strength-to-weight ratio
2. Corrosion resistance
3. Design flexibility
4. Durability
5. Low maintenance
6. Environmental sustainability
7. Electrically non-conductive

Although composites have been utilized throughout history, it was not until the mid-20th century that modern composites like FRP gained significant traction. Today, FRP is extensively utilized in various sectors, with growing demand producing opportunities for innovation. Developers and manufacturers can explore diverse fibers and polymer matrices to tailor custom composite products that meet specific needs.

We at FIBROTECH FRP support the construction and infrastructure sector by producing a comprehensive range of FRP products such as manhole covers, molded gratings, crash barriers, railings, and various pultruded goods.

Want to learn more about our frp products? Feel free to contact us.