Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic Composite

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP), also Fibre-reinforced plastic, is a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibres. The fibres are usually glass, carbon, although other fibres such as paper or wood or asbestos have been sometimes used. The polymer is usually an epoxy, vinyl ester or polyester thermosetting plastic, and phenol formaldehyde resins are still in use.

FRP composites are lightweight, no-corrosive, exhibit high specific strength and specific stiffness, are easily constructed, and can be tailored to satisfy performance requirements. Due to these characteristics, FRP composites have been included in new construction and rehabilitation of structures.

Most composites have strong, stiff fibres in a matrix which is weaker and less stiff. The objective is usually to make a component which is strong and stiff, often with a low density. Commercial material commonly has glass or carbon fibres in matrices based on thermosetting polymers, such as epoxy or polyester resins. Sometimes, thermoplastic polymers may be preferred, since they are moldable after initial production.

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) are composites used in almost every type of advanced engineering structure, with their usage ranging from aircraft, helicopters and spacecraft through to boats, ships and offshore platforms and to automobiles, sports goods, chemical processing equipment.

The fibre reinforced polymer composites (FRPs) are increasingly being considered as an enhancement to and/or substitute for infrastructure components or systems that are constructed of traditional civil engineering materials, namely concrete and steel.