Fibre Reinforced Polymer.

Fibre Reinforced Polymer;

• Fibre reinforced polymer are also called fibre reinforced plastic.
• A composite is a combination of two or more materials which differ in form or composition on a macroscale.
• Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) is a composite that consist of high performance fibres embedded in a polymer matrix.
• Fibres utilized in FRP are carbon, glass and aramid.
• Polymers utilized in FRP are epoxy, vinyl ester, polyester and phenol formaldehyde resins.
• Fibre reinforced composites can have different arrangement of fibres within the polymer.

(a) One dimensional arrangement; 

Here the fibres are only aligned in X-direction.

(b) Two dimensional arrangement, random;

Here the fibres are randomly aligned in X-direction and Y-direction.

(c) Two dimensional arrangement, oriented;

Here the fibres are aligned in X-direction and Y-direction in a particular manner.

(d) Three dimensional arrangement, random;

Here the fibres are randomly aligned in X-direction, Y-direction and Z-direction.

Different arrangement of fibres within the polymer.

• The function of polymer in the composite is to transfer stress between reinforcing fibres and to protect the fibres from mechanical and environmental damage.
• Carbon and aramid fibres exhibit good chemical resistance. Glass fibres can be damaged in alkaline media.
• Carbon and glass fibres are not affected by UV rays. Aramid fibres lose color and strength on exposure to UV rays.
• FRPs are commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, marine, and construction industries.
• FRPs are commonly found in ballistic armour.