Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer
Fiberglass: an excellent alternative to stainless steel or rubber-lined steel!
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics, FRP, is an excellent choice of material for the construction of chemical storage tanks, piping systems, apparatus and other types of industrial process equipment. The FRP material properties beat many conventional materials, such as steel when it comes to chemical and corrosion resistance. Little maintenance and a long product life time, that is what well-engineered FRP equipment promise.
What is FRP
Basically, FRP material consists of thermosetting resins and fiberglass. The combination of resin and glass fibers, makes the main ingredient of FRP products. The resin brings the environmental and chemical resistance to the product and is the binder for the glass fiber in the structural laminate. Based on the chemical and environmental circumstances (given by the customer or user), a resin type is selected. In general, Plasticon Composites constructs an FRP product with three laminates:
- Corrosion barrier: chemical resistance and temperature resistance
- Structural laminate: temperature resistance
- Topcoat: environmental and temperature resistance
Each type of laminate has its specific function, therefore for each laminate a different type of resin could be selected for making a product. In general, Plasticon Composites works with three types of resin (polyester, vinyl ester or epoxy).
Furthermore, we have different types of glass to be selected, based again: on the application and processes the final product will be used for (different types of veils). With regard to composing these ingredients and choosing the right resins, best winding techniques and glass fiber components in order to guarantee the quality and the benefits of the materials, selecting the right manufacturer is highly important.
Characteristics of FRP
FRP is known for its mechanical strength and a popular choice when it comes to corrosion resistance. Furthermore is FRP light weight, has excellent temperature-resistant properties, offers thermal insulation and can be formed in complex shapes. FRP products are easy to repair and hardly require any maintenance.
Due to the way Plasticon Composites makes FRP products, FRP products are known for their smooth internal surface and seamless shapes, providing perfect flow of products.
Applicational areas of FRP
FRP products of Plasticon Composites are used by industrial markets for the processing of (chemical) fluids, storage of fluids and processing of wet or dry gases. Throughout the years, Plasticon Composites has supplied industrial markets at regional, national and international levels; we developed our FRP products together with our customers and in accordance with the applicational requirements. Next to the standards of independent organizations, we maintain our own 'Plasticon Composites standard'.
FRP Products
The majority of FRP products, such as storage tanks, duct systems, chimney liners, duct systems and specialty products are cylindrical in shape. Yet the benefit of working with FRP is the endless possibilities as regards thickness, capacity for combination with other materials, mix of materials, and is therefore lightweight, with smooth surfaces and possesses good insulation properties. FRP can also be used for non-cylindrical applications: read about one of these projects.
FRP products are ideal for on-site production and installation. Our international team of certified laminators handle installation jobs for customers all over the world.
