Glass-reinforced plastic’s best identifier would be composite plastic or fibreglass. It works as an alternative to traditional steel and timber. And GRP profiles are multi-purpose, exceptionally strong, cost-effective, and so light, making them user-friendly.
Its lightweight feature adds to its convenience. Those who use it could easily carry the material around and transport it without sweating to protect a delicate material.
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No wonder why many would ask and explore GRP. Because of their superior characteristics, GRP profiles have become the go-to construction material for many owners and structural designers. These would be obvious with their sleek shapes and sizes, and the features also vary to suit different construction needs. Here are some things you need to know about glass-reinforced plastic, or you can check grp profiles here.
History of Glass Reinforced Plastic
In 1938, a chemical engineer, Russel Games Slayter, introduced fibreglass. That would now stand for the generic term for glass-reinforced plastic. According to documents from the University of Toledo, Slayter made the coarse fibres that led to the production of the first commercial fibreglass product.
What Composes A Glass Reinforced Plastic Profile?
GRP profiles are composed of synthetic resin and glass fibre. Reinforced materials moulded together from fine and flexible fibre create GRP profiles. Fibre forms a long or woven strand whereby adding a catalyst will harden the resin.
To make glass fibres suitable for making GRP profiles, melt raw materials like silica sand, clay, and other minerals until they become liquid. Add chemical solution to the resulting component. This process will determine the structure of a GRP profile, and the structural shape and strength impact the effectiveness and durability of the materials.
Glass Reinforced Plastic Profile Is Ideal For What Industry
GRP profiles are non-magnetic. Its composition is ideal for making structures in the following industry:
- Home or residential construction
- Oil and gas industry
- Mining industry
- Metal production
- Speciality chemicals industry
- Roads and other infrastructure
- Aeronautics
After taking a quick review of the essential aspects of the GRP profile, take a clever take on how using GRP benefits you in many ways.
Benefits Of Using A Glass Reinforced Plastic Profile
Using GRP profiles on different projects gives a lot of benefits, indeed. The profiles offer the users various styles that adapt to any construction needs. Here’s a list of the good things brought in by using glass-reinforced plastics:
- Resistant to many chemicals
- Resistant to insect infestation
- Lightweight
- Cost-effective
- Requires almost no maintenance
- Long life cycle
- Sustainable and economical
- Easy to fabricate
- High impact resistance
- High corrosion resistance
- Non-conductive and non-sparking
- High strength
Plenty of valuable and sturdy materials compose GRP profiles. It makes GRP profiles long-lasting and reliable. It adds resistance and durability to buildings and structures.
Disadvantages Of A Glass Reinforced Plastic Profile
Although few, glass-reinforced plastic also has a downside that you need to know; this includes:
- Poor rigidity and stiffness of the material
- Its limited heat resistance to a temperature below 300°C or 572°F
- Fibreglass long-term exposure can cause temporary eye and skin irritation
Why Choose Glass Reinforced Plastic Profile?
GRP profiles are easy to install. It is lightweight and a cost-effective alternative to steel and timber. Unlike steel, it is rust-proof and impact resistant. GRP profiles are designed and best for many construction applications, such as:
- platforms
- ladders and scaffolding
- handrails
- landings and staircases
- walkways
- loading forms
- fencing
- waterworks and pipes
- drain coverings
- electronic enclosure
Take note of the advantages and disadvantages when choosing a suitable construction material. Weigh your pros and cons and see what fits. Identify the material needs, including cost and effectivity, as a guide. With the things listed above, you now have a clearer view of what you need to know about glass-reinforced plastic profiles.
