High Strength, Low Weight
Pound for pound, FRP is stronger than conventional construction materials. Thin sections provide exceptional toughness, while structural core materials add stiffness without substantially increasing weight.
Corrosion Resistance
FRP does not rust or corrode. It performs in damp environments, submerged in salt water, and in climate extremes -- reducing long-term maintenance costs compared to traditional materials.
Parts Consolidation
A single FRP structure can replace an assembly of many parts and fasteners, saving time and reducing costs -- lighter equipment, smaller crews, and lighter supporting structures.
Light Transmission
FRP panels can be made translucent -- a unique property among structural materials. Components can simultaneously provide structure, enclosure, and natural or artificial light.
Low Thermal Conductivity
Composites provide excellent insulation from subzero to high temperatures. Found in doors, panels, and windows for severe weather protection, performing well in tropical and arctic regions alike.
Fire Characteristics
FRP systems can be designed to meet all reaction-to-fire requirements in the International Building Code for interior finish, light-transmitting materials, and external assemblies.
Radar Transparency
Glass-fiber-based FRP composites are transparent to radar and radio frequencies, enabling decorative canopies or enclosures that conceal communications equipment within buildings.
Additional Characteristics
- Dimensional stability under temperature changes with tuneable coefficient of thermal expansion
- Non-conductive -- ideal for utility poles, stand-off insulators, and electrical applications
- Non-magnetic when manufactured with glass fiber and traditional thermoset resins
- Appearance flexibility -- wide range of textures, shapes, and colours achievable
- Design flexibility -- can be curved, corrugated, ribbed, or contoured into any shape
- Reproducibility and matching -- moulded replicates are identical to each other
- Faithful reproduction of original shapes for historic preservation projects
- Carbon/epoxy laminates can be manufactured with zero coefficient of thermal expansion