What Is FRP Material？

Fiber-reinforced polyumer (FRP) is composed of plastic polymer resin (plastic polymer resin) and reinforcing fiber . After the two materials are synthesized into FRP, it can not only maintain the characteristics of its original material, It also strengthens the overall performance of FRP, greatly improving the strength and rigidity of the new material.

Polymer resins are generally sticky and easy to mold, but their hardness is relatively weak. The resin contained in the material can protect the material from abrasion and protect its surface from chemical corrosion. Not only that, the material can also be used as a binder for reinforcing fibers.

Due to high strength and light texture, FRP composite materials have been widely used in defense, aviation and other fields. In recent years, the application range of this material has been further expanded, and it has been used to manufacture luxury cars, wind turbines, compressed natural gas tanks and other equipment. Major manufacturers also favor FRP because of its light weight, high strength, and high rigidity. It is a good lightweight material and can also save energy during transportation. In addition, due to its strength, durability and chemical structure, FRP began to be applied to industrial equipment, buildings and other infrastructure.

▶FRP composite material manufacturing

The manufacturing process of FRP composite materials requires a lot of heat and pressure to achieve the bonding of composite materials.

▶Fiber preparation

For the manufacture of carbon fiber and glass fiber FRP, high temperature conditions are indispensable. The carbon fiber can be made by carbonizing polyacrylonitrile fiber, pitch fiber, viscose fiber or phenolic fiber. The manufacture of carbon fiber includes four processes: fiber spinning, thermal stabilization (pre-oxidation), carbonization, and graphitization. The accompanying chemical changes include dehydrogenation, cyclization, pre-oxidation, oxidation, and deoxidation. It is made into "white fiber" through a series of high-temperature ovens, and then made into "black fiber" after oxidation and carbonization. The glass fiber is manufactured by high-temperature furnace through high-temperature melting, drawing, winding, weaving and other processes, depending on the specific requirements of the manufactured parts.

▶Production of parts

Currently, there are many ways to process and produce parts made of FRP composite materials. Generally, before or during processing of parts, reinforcing fibers are mixed with polymers, and then placed in a mold, and the parts are made into the final shape by layering and heated. For some parts with more edges and corners and more complex shapes, the fiber and resin can be put into the slot of the mold, squeezed into the raw material, and then heated. For pipes and other long workpieces, the fiber and resin can be extruded with a die and cured at high temperature.

▶Material application

If the preparation process is improved, the production cost and energy density of FRP composite materials may also be reduced. It is widely used in various applications to achieve energy saving and energy efficiency improvement.

Automobile: For the automotive industry, which is striving to achieve lightweight, this material is very important. It can improve the energy efficiency and fuel economy of vehicles, while also meeting safety standards. If the vehicle achieves a 10% weight reduction, its fuel economy will increase by 6-8%, which is equivalent to extending the cruising range of a pure electric vehicle by 10%. Compared with traditional steel, FRP glass fiber can reduce the mass by 25-30%, while carbon fiber composite material can reduce the mass by 60-70%.

Wind turbine: FRP carbon fiber composite material has high hardness, light weight and strong fatigue resistance. It can reduce the weight of turbine blades and extend the length of the blades, thereby improving the energy efficiency of wind power generation. As of 2018, wind power plants may become the largest consumer of FRP carbon fiber composite materials.

Compressed natural gas storage tanks: The storage tanks used in vehicles are required to have light texture and high strength, and can store hydrogen and natural gas. Although FRP carbon fiber composite material meets the requirements of vehicle storage tanks and high-pressure hydrogen tanks, its cost is quite high.

Industrial equipment: Due to the high corrosion resistance of this type of composite material, it can improve the performance of industrial equipment and components. This material may improve the performance of heat exchangers, fans, blowers and other equipment, can withstand high temperatures, extend the service life of pipes and storage tanks, and improve the electrical insulation of mechanical equipment.

Due to the excellent performance of the material, other industries and related equipment such as construction, roads and bridges, marine vessels, and power transmission lines may benefit.