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jeudi 19 mars 2015

Do Not Compromise On GFRP Composite

By Lelia Hall


When polymer is fused with a non-woven fabric composed of fibers, it produces a stronger material than the sum of the strengths of either of the individual substances. Such a material is GFRP composite, in which the non-woven fabric is composed fiberglass. It is used in a number of industries, including construction, ballistic armor, the automotive industry and aerospace.

In other types of reinforced polymer using other materials in place of fiber. These include aramid, carbon and basalt. Aramid is a synthetic, fiber that is resistant to heat. Occasionally, asbestos, paper or wood may be used. The polymer component of the material is generally a polyester thermosetting plastic, epoxy, or vinylester. A thermoset plastic is one that is a liquid or malleable solid at normal temperatures and irreversibly solidifies when exposed to high temperatures.

One reason why FRPs are important in the aerospace industry is because this is one place where strong, lightweight, materials are paramount. Those who are not convinced may refer to fuselage damage sustained by Aloha Airlines Flight 243 in April 1988. The plane experienced an explosive decompression that tore off a section of roof on the short flight between Honolulu and Hilo. One flight attendant perished when she was swept overboard, while 65 crew and passengers were injured.

At sea, GFRPs were mostly confined to recreational water craft. It was not until three decades later that larger boats started to incorporate the material. They are particularly useful in this industry because they may be crafted into sometimes complicated configurations. They are lightweight, cheap, resistant to both impact and corrosion, and are vibration-damping.

Fiberglass is popular in the manufacture of sports cars for the same reason it is used in the maritime industry. It is lightweight and pliable. Used in the manufacture of fiberglass trucks, it increases payload capacity. Fiberglass also apparently fares better in a crash. Steel will transfer the vibrations, whereas they will remain localized in a fiberglass vehicle.

Ballistic armor, with a substantial content of GFRP, has a number of different uses in civilian as well as military sectors. Not only does it protect assets such as vehicles and buildings, it is also used to protect people. Unlike other materials, like steel armor, fiberglass may be re-engineered in the field using simple power tools that area readily available.

Ballistic armor is used to protect courtrooms. This material resists richochet, which makes buildings that much safer when they encounter gun play. On television, at least, somebody or other is always shooting up a courtroom. Shows like Law and Order, Medium, CSi Las Vegas, and Special Victims Unit spring immediately to mind.

One of the best-known uses for reinforced polymers is in bullet-proof vests, generally in law enforcement and the military. A ballistic vest saved the life of Kate Todd, only to have her shot in the head by a sniper moments later. There have been several television episodes featuring cowboy vendors who sell defective armor to soldiers.




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