Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers

Abstract

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), commonly called fiberglass, is used for a huge variety of applications including boat hulls, car bodies, roofing shingles, pipes, flooring and various containers and storage tanks. GFRP is referred to as a composite material since it is a combination of two different materials, that is, glass fibers in the form of either a woven fabric or a chopped mat in a polymer matrix. Most often used for the matrix are the thermosetting polymers (polymers which cannot be remelted) epoxy or polyester, and less-commonly the thermosetting polymers vinyl ester, phenolics and silicones, or the thermoplastic polymers (polymers which can be remelted) nylon, polycarbonate and polystyrene. The fibers are coated with a coupling agent to aid bonding to the polymer matrix and a sizing agent to protect the fibers.