Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites
A fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) typically consists of a fibrous part, which acts as the main load carrying element, and a surrounding matrix/resin to support the fiber, and transfer the load. The fibers are arranged in a specified orientation in each layer (equivalently lamina or ply) of the material. A number of layers are stacked to form a laminated composite material which can be used in structural components.
The use of fiber composites in the manufacturing industry is increasing, as fiber composites are lighter and more corrosion resistant compared to traditional metallic engineering materials. Moreover, properties like strength, stiffness, and toughness can often be tailored to a specific application.
The fibers used for industrial applications are in general made of carbon, glass, aramid, or basalt. Based on the type of fiber material, the two most popular FRPs in industry are:
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Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP)
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Glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP), also known as fiberglass