Fibreglass
Fibreglass (US: fiberglass) is a composite material. It is a fibre-reinforced polymer made of a plastic reinforced by fine fibres made of glass. The composite material may be called glass-reinforced plastic (GRP).
Light composite aircraft
Fibreglass is cheaper and more flexible than carbon fibre. It is stronger than many metals (when compared by weight), and can be moulded into complex shapes. The plastic matrix is usually a thermoset polymer – such as epoxy or polyester resin, or it may be a thermoplastic.[1]
The benefits of fibreglass include:
- Fibreglass is strong with a long durability, and can withstand weathering
- Designs that cannot be achieved with glass can be done so with fibreglass
- Cost effective
- Fibreglass is non-conductive, as well as being radio frequency transparent, and has a lower reaction to thermal-conductivity
- Has the appearance of glass while offering more diverse usages
Uses
- Sail planes, Sports cars, micro cars, karts, lorries, wind turbine blades.
- Pods, domes and architectural features where a light weight is needed
- Roofing products, swimming pools and composite housing
- Protective sleeving for RF Antennas
- Electrical enclosures
- Piping for above and below ground systems
Use of the term
"Fiberglass" refers to the complete glass fiber reinforced composite material, rather than just the glass fibre inside it.
References
- Mayer, Rayner M. 1993. Design with reinforced plastics. Springer. ISBN 978-0-85072-294-9
Other websites
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