Fiber-Reinforced Plastics

ALLANA AZEVEDO DO NASCIMENTO

INTECH

Lugar: London; Año: 2022 p. 194

978-1-80355-075-6

Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) is a composite material made up of a matrix ofplastic or polymeric resin reinforced with glass fibers (GRP), carbon fibers (CRP),natural fibers (NRP), etc. The existence of these modern materials dates to thepetroleum age more than 100 years ago.FRP is a light, resistant, and easy to mold material, which is why it is widely usedin the manufacture of parts with soft and complex shapes. This material has a widevariety of applications and functionalities in the nautical, military, commercial,and industrial industries.Fiberglass reinforcement provides the composite with mechanical strength, dimensionalstability, and heat resistance. Polyester plastic resin provides dielectric chemicalresistance and outdoor behavior.For natural fiber-reinforced plastics (NRP), thermoplastic or thermosetting polymersare used as the matrix. Thermoplastics are usually PE, PP, PS, PVC, or PLA, andacrylate, epoxy, and phenolic resins are generally used as thermosetting. Fibersinclude flax, hemp, jute, kenaf, sisal, abaca, cellulose, and lignocellulose of variousorigins, and cotton. Other widely used materials include wood fiber and wood flouror rice husk. In many cases, specific coupling agents are used to ensure the optimalunion of matrix and fibers.Carbon fiber (CFR) is a material made up of fibers 5–10 microns in diameter, composedmainly of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are bonded together in crystalsthat are aligned parallel to the long axis of the fiber. Crystal alignment gives the fiberhigh strength based on bulk (makes it strong for its size). Several thousand carbonfibers are twisted together to form a thread, which can be used on its own or woveninto fabric. The properties of carbon fibers, such as high flexibility, high strength,low weight, high temperature tolerance, and low thermal expansion, make themvery popular in aerospace, civil engineering, military, motor sports, and many otherapplications. However, they are relatively expensive compared to similar fibers, suchas glass fibers or plastic fibers, which greatly limits their use.This book presents a comprehensive overview of the different types of reinforcedplastic fibers for engineers, researchers, academics, students, and industryprofessionals.