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    Material Selection

    What is FRP Material?

    Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite materials are highly durable, lightweight materials used in many industries, including wastewater treatment, chemical processing, military, mining, architecture, agriculture, infrastructure and more. One of the biggest benefits of FRP is its versatility. It is available in many different combinations of reinforced fibers, resins and additives, each of which offers its own unique advantages that make it suitable for different applications.

    IMG_1442FRP refers to a polymer that has been reinforced with fibers such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, polyester fibers and natural fibers. When these fibers are combined with resins, the composite takes on new characteristics that improve its overall functionality and quality. These characteristics include strength, stiffness, corrosion resistance, reduced thermal conductivity, electrical insulation and more.

    FRP exhibits many beneficial qualities that make it a suitable alternative to more traditional construction materials such as wood, steel, concrete and aluminum. For example, it offers the same strength as steel, but at a fraction of the weight. FRP is also durable, easy to manufacture and install, affordable, flexible, low maintenance and a great insulator. These properties make FRP a popular choice for a wide range of applications, both indoors and outdoors.

    There are several ways to manufacture FRP, depending upon the finished product's size, function and aesthetics, as well as the volume of the order.

    FRP PULTRUSION

    Eco-friendly and affordable, this continuous manufacturing technique uses rollers to pull fibers through a resin bath to infuse them with polymer. The fiberglass strands then move through a heated die, which cures the resin around the fibers with a consistent cross-section.

    FRP VACUUM INFUSION

    Though slower than some other options, vacuum infusion is customizable and ideal for large components such as turbine blades and bridges. Dry fibers are placed into a mold and subjected to complete vacuum conditions. The liquid polymer resin is carefully added to the mold; then it cures to create a solid part.

    FRP FILAMENT WINDING

    Ideal for parts that will face high operating pressures, this automated process places resin-soaked, continuous strands of fiber over a rotating cylindrical mold.

    FRP CONTINUOUS LAMINATION

    Reinforcement layers are created by feeding fiberglass fabric onto a roller system. The layers are then saturated with resin, and materials move through rollers or a compaction system. This compresses the layers but also removes air, yielding uniform thickness. The layered composite material is cured by passing between heated rollers or in a curing oven, and then the product is cooled.

    Types of FRP Material

    FRP can be made with a variety of different resins depending on the intended application. At Creative Composites Group, we offer the following types of resin materials:

    Isophthalic Polyester Resin

    Isophthalic polyester is ideal for applications requiring great corrosion resistance, flexibility, structural properties and chemical resistance in moderate temperatures. It is not suitable for use in environments exposed to alkaline substances. It is the most commonly used polymer for structural composites as the lowest cost resin.

    Vinyl Ester Resin

    Vinyl ester offers resistance to water, alkaline substances and organic solvents; although not used for alkaline environments. Crack-resistant and cost-effective, vinyl esters are commonly used in the water treatment, boats, infrastructure and food processing industries. They're also tough and fatigue-resistant.

    Polyurethane Resin

    This resin is strong and damage tolerant. It is ideal for high-impact applications.

    Phenolic Resin

    For electronics, ballistics, mining and other high-temperature applications, phenolic resins are flame retardant, non-combustible, resistant to chemicals and electrically non-conductive. It is used in underground infrastructure where fire safety is critical

    FRP Resin Selection

    Creative Composites Group offers products using all these materials.

    Pultruded profiles are made from three standard resin systems: Isophthalic Polyester, Isophthalic Polyester Fire Retardant and Vinyl Ester Fire Retardant. Polyurethane is used in custom profiles. Vinyl esters and phenolics are used for infused products and infrastructure. Which one you choose for your project heavily depends on the service conditions of your application. Key factors to consider when selecting the appropriate resin include:

    • Infrastructure
    • Industrial Applications
    • Temperature
    • Humidity
    • Chemical Contact
    • PH Levels
    • Corrosion Risk
    • Direct Fire Exposure
    • Ballistics
    • Storm Hardening 
    • Grid Hardening

    FRP Materials from Creative Composites Group

    With an engineered combination of resin, fiber and additives, you can create the FRP material that's best for your application. To ensure your product performs optimally for as long as possible, it's essential to make informed choices about materials and processes.

    Creative Composites Group is a team of U.S.-based composites companies dedicated to offering the best engineered solutions for our clients. With years of experience customizing FRPs for a wide range of applications, we can help you determine the best materials and manufacturing process to meet your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about our FRP solutions, or request a quote for your next project.