What is CSF?
GRP, short for glass fibre reinforced plastic, is a fibre-reinforced composite material in which glass fibres are embedded in a plastic matrix (resin or thermoplastic). The material combines high strength, good dimensional stability and Weather resistance with a comparatively low weight. Today, GRP is a widely used material in mechanical engineering, vehicle construction, civil engineering and electrical engineering.
Properties of GRP
GRP consists of two main components:
- Reinforcing fibres made of glass - usually in the form of fabric, mats or rovings
- Matrix material - e.g. unsaturated polyester resin, epoxy resin or vinyl ester
The combination results in a robust, versatile mouldable material with the following properties:
- Good mechanical strength, especially in the fibre direction
- Corrosion-resistant, even in damp or aggressive environments
- Electrically insulating (depending on fibre type and resin)
- High fatigue strength with good Vibration damping (better than CFRP)
- Temperature resistant depending on the matrix up to approx. +120°C
- Comparatively inexpensive compared to CFRP
In contrast to CFRP GRP is less rigid, but more attractive in terms of price and easier to process - even in large quantities.
Application of GRP
GRP is used in many industries, including:
- Vehicle construction: bumpers, panelling, roof superstructures
- Mechanical and plant engineering: Housing, Hoods, protection systems
- Building industry: GRP gratings, reinforcements, façade elements
- Electrical engineering: insulating parts, switch cabinets
- Wind energy: Rotor blades and structural parts
- Sport and leisure: boats, kayaks, modelling, sports equipment
Processing techniques include manual lamination, RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding), pultrusion or winding processes.