10 reasons why FRP is better than steel

Posted by ei2Aevai on December 15th, 2020

FRP, or fiber reinforced plastic, is becoming a very popular material for construction projects. Its lightweight, strong and non-corrosive properties offer many different advantages over traditional materials such as concrete and steel. Some of these advantages are described frp panels.

1. Non-corrosive

FRP does not rust or corrode like steel and other metals. FRP is impervious to water (either by immersion or splashing), fumes and gases and is resistant to most chemicals. A variety of superior surfaces are available, which are capable of withstanding the full range of caustic chemicals.

2. Lightweight

FRP is roughly 60-75% lighter than steel, yet it is pound for pound stronger. The lighter weight greatly reduces handling, transportation and installation costs. The high glass to resin ratio produces a material that is capable of excellent load bearing results.

3. Maintenance free

Thanks to its anticorrosive properties, FRP does not require maintenance other than cleaning. UV stabilization means no painting or lacquering is required after installation and the lightweight nature of FRP means it can be easily lifted and moved for easy cleaning.

4. Impact resistance

Unlike steel, FRP will return to its original shape after deflection, thanks to its advanced elastic properties. Tests have shown that FRP withstands high impacts, without permanent deformation, saving costly repairs.

5. Low installation costs

FRP is lightweight, which typically allows for a simple two-person lift. This can save significant costs as no cranes or other lifting equipment is required. Other savings can be made with transportation, again thanks to the reduced weight. FRP does not require specialized cutting or welding equipment and can usually be installed with simple hand tools.

6. Non-slip

The FRP grating, with an integrally bonded sandblasted top surface, has achieved some of the highest levels of slip resistance ever recorded for a walking surface. FRP is 50% safer than steel grating and 70% safer than control plate in slip resistance. This degree of safety is crucial for OSH-aware workplaces such as mines, oil rigs, and factories.

7. Antistatic and Anti Spark

FRP is perfectly suited to sensitive environments, thanks to its ability to dissipate static electricity, as well as its non-sparking properties. Static dissipation is very important in underground and offshore locations, while FRP is ideal in gaseous environments as it will not generate sparks if tools are accidentally dropped - a hazard on steel floors.

8. Temperature performance

FRP is able to withstand long periods of intense heat. Standard pultrusions are able to withstand continuous temperatures of 60-65 ° C while maintaining full structural integrity, while vinyl ester and phenolic FRP pultrusions can withstand more than 100 ° C and 200 ° C respectively.

9. Electromagnetic transparency

FRP is capable of allowing radio waves, microwaves, and other electromagnetic frequencies to pass through it, making it a tough, durable, and rugged material for radio antennas and radomes.

10. Versatility

Since FRP is produced with molds, it can be manufactured in any shape or design with a wide variety of surface profiles and unlimited colors. New uses for FRP are discovered every day!