Composite material: Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP)

When two or more distinct materials are being combined together to create a finer
material, the product formed is called the composite. (Composite_material)
The fibre-reinforced plastic, FRP, is a kind of composite materials that are made
from a polymer matrix, which is then reinforced by moulding them together with fibres,
to become firm, durable and lightweight. (Fibre-reinforced_plastic) Sometimes,
functional additives such as colour, filler and release agent are included. FRP is
commonly used in automotive, aerospace and construction industry.
The original weak plastic material that is without the fibre enhancement is known
as polymer matrix. The polymer is usually an epoxy or polyester thermosetting plastic. In
order to strengthen its properties, the low modulus polymer will binds with high modulus
and high strength fibre. (Composites_Overview)To ensure the optimum performance, the
modulus of fibres must higher than matrix and polymer should adhere well to the fibre.
Then it will use the plastic flow produced by the polymeric material under stress to
transfer the load to the fibre. It will also act as an element that protects fibre from
environmental abrasion and damage. (Composites_Overview) The fibre components in
FRP are normally glass, carbon, aramid or wood, which give varieties in the application
of FRP. They are specifically used to provide the structure and reinforce the strength and
elasticity of FRP composite. The purpose of combination is to form a two-phase material
in which the fibre is scattered and strengthen by fusing it with the weak polymer matrix.
(What are fibre reinforced polymers?) The degree of enhancement is depends on their
relative volume, mechanical properties, length, and surface of interface between them.
The properties of FRP will change under an elevated and high temperature. The
altered polymer molecular structures will decrease the stiffness and strength of FRP.
(Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites)The bonds exist in polymer matrix can be
categorized into primary and secondary bond. The primary consists of strong covalent
intermolecular bonds between the polymer chains and fibres. The secondary comprises
weaker bonds such as hydrogen bonds and attraction of Van der. As temperature rises,

secondary bonds begin to break first. Polymer chains and molecules will form
entanglement will each other and knotted together. Decomposition will take place when
primary bonds are also broken due to the temperature is being raised continually.
(Structural Performance of FRP Composites at High Temperatures)
The manufacture of FRP involves two individual processes. The first process is
the formation of fibrous material. The second is the moulding process, which binds the
polyester matrix with fibrous materials. Fibre preforms are the ways to produce fibre
before bonding them together with matrix. Normally, the fibre preforms are produced in
continuous sheets, mats or filaments for better spray applications. The four major ways to
manufacture the fibre preforms are weaving, knitting, braiding and stitching. The
moulding process will then take place by mixing the fibre preform with a fixed amount of
resin in a rigid mold. The mold will cure and establish the shape of FRP. Heat and
pressure will applied to the mold sometimes to cure resin and improve the final product
quality. (Fibre-reinforced_plastic)
In comparison to other common materials used today such as metal, alloy and
wood, FRP has its own advantages that are significant in the building and construction
sector. FRP is a rigid and feasible material. It possesses marvelous durability and high
corrosion resistance. Hence, it will probably never corrode and rust. So, we don't even
have to paint it, since it is its own permanent coating. (Advantages of FRP) Besides, its
excellent strength-to-weight ratio will contribute ease in installation and make itself
portable and flexible. It also has a low heat expansion. So, it doesn't contract or expand
much like those metal does. Other features consist of fire resistance, non-conductive, low
maintenance, long lifetime and electrically and thermally insulating. (FRP)
Even so, like other construction materials, FRP have some limitations that create
indecision in the engineers for its application. One of the reason is its cost is too high
compared to other metal or wood materials. It would have to extend its lifetime for few
times longer to overcome the cost. It has a brittle behavior and relatively low tensile
strength when compared to high-strength steel. The tensile forces will tends to stretch
matrix more than fibres, causing material to shear between them. (FRP)

Conslusion
The use of composite material in building applications enables us to obtain huge
success in protection, efficiency and economy of construction. A new superior material
can be obtained to meet the condition of a certain application by choosing a suitable
combination of matrix and reinforcement material. These lightweight, high strength and
high stiffness materials provide a new mechanism for transporting and storing, enabling
efficient power generation, and also contribute major weight savings compared to
conventional materials such as steel. In spite of the high efficient composite material, its
raw material is usually expensive.

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Structural Performance of FRP Composites at High Temperatures.

(n.d.). Retrieved from Infoscience: Scientific publications of EPFL:
http://infoscience.epfl.ch/record/131180/files/EPFL_TH4340.pdf