ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS OF FRP
FRP allows the alignment of the glass fibres of thermoplastics to suit specific design programs.
Specifying the orientation of reinforcing fibres can increase the strength and resistance to
deformation of the polymer. Glass reinforced polymers are strongest and most resistive to
deforming forces when the polymers fibres are parallel to the force being exerted, and are
weakest when the fibres are perpendicular. Thus this ability is at once either an advantage or a
limitation depending on the context of use. Weak spots of perpendicular fibres can be used for
natural hinges and connections, but can also lead to material failure when production processes
fail to properly orient the fibres parallel to expected forces. When forces are exerted
perpendicular to the orientation of fibres the strength and elasticity of the polymer is less than the
matrix alone. In cast resin components made of glass reinforced polymers such as UP and EP, the
orientation of fibres can be oriented in two-dimensional and three-dimensional weaves. This
means that when forces are possibly perpendicular to one orientation, they are parallel to another
orientation; this eliminates the potential for weak spots in the polymer.
5.1 FAILURE MODES
Structural failure can occur in FRP materials when:
Tensile forces stretch the matrix more than the fibres, causing the material to shear at the
interface between matrix and fibres.
Tensile forces near the end of the fibres exceed the tolerances of the matrix, separating the
fibres from the matrix.
Tensile forces can also exceed the tolerances of the fibres causing the fibres themselves to
fracture leading to material failure.
5.2 WARPING
One notable feature of fiberglass is that the resins used are subject to contraction during the
curing process. For polyester this contraction is often 5–6%; for epoxy, about 2%. Because the
fibers do not contract, this differential can create changes in the shape of the part during curing.
Distortions can appear hours, days or weeks after the resin has set. 28
5.3 HEALTH PROBLEMS
People can be exposed to fiberglass in the workplace by breathing it in, skin contact, or eye
contact. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set the legal limit
(permissible exposure limit) for fiberglass exposure in the workplace as 15 mg/m 3 total and 5
mg/m3 in respiratory exposure over an 8-hour workday. The National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) has set a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 3 fibers/cm 3 (less
than 3.5 micro-meters in diameter and greater than 10 micrometers in length) as
Fiberglass will irritate the eyes, skin, and the respiratory system. Potential symptoms include
irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat, dyspnoea (breathing difficulty); sore throat, hoarseness and
cough. Scientific evidence demonstrates that fiber glass is safe to manufacture, install and use
when recommended work practices are followed to reduce temporary mechanical irritation.
While the resins are cured, styrene vapours are released. These are irritating to mucous
membranes and respiratory tract. The installation of effective extraction and filtration equipment
is required to ensure safety and efficiency.
5.4 FIBRE REINFORCED PLASTICS APPLICATIONS
Fiberglass is an immensely versatile material due to its light weight, inherent strength, weather-
resistant finish and variety of surface textures.
Advanced manufacturing techniques such as pre-pregs and fiber rovings extend fiberglass's
applications and the tensile strength possible with fiber-reinforced plastics. Because of
fiberglass's light weight and durability, it is often used in protective equipment such as helmets.
Many sports use fiberglass protective gear, such as goaltenders' and catchers' masks.
STORAGE TANKS
Storage tanks can be made of fiberglass with capacities up to about 300 tonnes. Smaller tanks can
be made with chopped strand mat cast over a thermoplastic inner tank which acts as a preform
during construction. 29
HOUSE-BUILDING Glass-reinforced plastics are also used to produce house building
components such as roofing laminate, door surrounds, over-door canopies, window canopies and
dormers, chimneys, coping systems, and heads with keystones and sills. The material's reduced
weight and easier handling, compared to wood or metal, allows faster installation.
PIPING
GRP and GRE pipe can be used in a variety of above- and below-ground systems, including those
for:
Desalination
Water treatment
Water distribution networks
Chemical process plants
Firewater
CARBON-FIBRE-REINFORCED POLYMERS
Rudder of Airbus A310
Advantages over a traditional rudder made from sheet aluminium are:
25% reduction in weight
95% reduction in components by combining parts and forms into simpler moulded parts.
Overall reduction in production and operational costs, economy of parts results in lower
production costs and the weight savings create fuel savings that lower the operational costs of
flying the aeroplane.
GLASS-FIBRE-REINFORCED POLYMERS
Engine intake manifolds are made from glass-fibre-reinforced PA 66.
Advantages this has over cast aluminium manifolds are:
Up to a 60% reduction in weight
Improved surface quality and aerodynamics
Reduction in components by combining parts and forms into simpler moulded shapes.
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STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS
FRP can be applied to strengthen the beams, columns, and slabs of buildings and bridges. It is
possible to increase the strength of structural members even after they have been severely
damaged due to loading conditions. In the case of damaged reinforced concrete members, this
would first require the repair of the member by removing loose debris and filling in cavities and
cracks with mortar or epoxy resin. Once the member is repaired, strengthening can be achieved
through wet, hand lay-up of impregnating the fibre sheets with epoxy resin then applying them to
the cleaned and prepared surfaces of the member.
5.5 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
FRP is used in designs that require a measure of strength or modulus of elasticity that non-
reinforced plastics and other material choices are either ill-suited for mechanically or
economically. This means that the primary design consideration for using FRP is to ensure that
the material is used economically and in a manner that takes advantage of its structural
enhancements specifically. This is however not always the case, the orientation of fibres also
creates a material weakness perpendicular to the fibres. Thus the use of fibre reinforcement and
their orientation affects the strength, rigidity, and elasticity of a final form
5.6 DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING CONCERNS
As a subset of plastic FR plastics are liable to a number of the issues and concerns in plastic
waste disposal and recycling. Plastics pose a particular challenge in recycling because they are
derived from polymers and monomers that often cannot be separated and returned to their
virgin states, for this reason not all plastics can be recycled for re-use, in fact some estimates
claim only 20% to 30% of plastics can be recycled at all. Fibre-reinforced plastics and their
matrices share these disposal and environmental concerns. Plastics do often offer savings in
energy and economic savings in comparison to other materials. In addition, with the advent of
new more environmentally friendly matrices such as bioplastics and UV-degradable plastics, FRP
will gain environmental sensitivity.
