Fiberglass profiles, also called GRP profiles or FRP profiles, are made through a process called pultrusion and consist of two main components: glass fiber reinforcements and a resin matrix. These materials have excellent mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties.

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Description

Main Features of Fiberglass Profiles

  • Lightweight and high strength: Fiberglass profiles weigh only about 1/4 of steel, but have similar strength to steel. This allows them to greatly reduce the weight of the structure when they need to bear a large load.
  • Corrosion resistance: Fiberglass profiles have excellent corrosion resistance and can resist the erosion of various chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and salts. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for humid and corrosive environments.
  • Weather resistance: Fiberglass  profiles have good aging resistance in natural environments such as strong ultraviolet rays, and can maintain the stability of their performance and appearance for a long time.

Production Process


Types of Fiberglass Profiles

  • I-Beams: Used for structural support in construction, similar to steel I-beams.
  • Channels: Commonly used for framing, supports, and construction elements.
  • Angles: Used for corner reinforcements and structural applications.
  • Tubes and Pipes: Ideal for fluid transport or as structural supports.
  • Rod and Flat Bar: For various structural and mechanical uses.

Resin Types

Resin Type
Properties
Polyester Resin
Affordable.
Good mechanical properties.
Low corrosion resistance.
Vinyl Ester Resin
Higher corrosion resistance than
polyester.
Higher temperature resistance.
Tough.
Epoxy Resin
Excellent strength and adhesion.
Superior moisture resistance.
Low shrinkage.
Phenolic Resin
High heat resistance.
Fire-retardant.
Low smoke and toxicity.
Polyurethane
Resin
High impact resistance.
Excellent durability.
Good chemical and abrasion
resistance.
Acrylic Resin
UV-resistant.
Good clarity and weatherability.
Durable.
Bismaleimide
(BMI)
High thermal stability.
Superior mechanical properties.
Low dielectric loss.

Fiber Types

Fiber Type
Description
E-Glass (Electrical)
Good insulation and strength.
S-Glass (Structural)
Higher strength and stiffness compared to
E-glass.
C-Glass (Chemical)
High chemical resistance.
AR-Glass (Alkali-Resistant)
Specially designed for high resistance to alkalis
R-Glass (Reinforcement)
Similar to S-glass but used mainly in European markets.
D-Glass (Dielectric)
High dielectric properties for electrical insulation.

Performance Parameters (Reference)

Parameter
Typical Values
Tensile Strength
300-900 MPa
Flexural Strength
200-500 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
20-50GPa
Compressive Strength
150-500 MPa
Shear Strength
80-100MPa
Thermal Conductivity
0.3-0.4 W/mK
Thermal Expansion
Coefficient
8-12 x 10-6/℃
Heat Deflection Temperature
100-250°C
Dielectric Strength
15-40 kV/mm
Volume Resistivity
10¹⁰ to 10¹⁴ ohm-cm
Flammability
UL94 V-0 (for fire-
retardant resins)
Density
1.7-2.0 g/cm³
Water Absorption
<0.5%
Service Life
20-50 years

Common Applications

Fiberglass profiles combine durability, low maintenance, and light weight, making them a versatile material for many industrial and structural applications.

  • Construction: Used in bridge construction, walkways, handrails, and ladders.
  • Marine: Fiberglass profiles are widely used in shipbuilding and offshore platforms due to their resistance to saltwater and corrosion.
  • Electrical: Used in cable racks, electrical insulation, and components for substations.
  • Chemical Processing: Used in corrosive environments such as chemical plants or wastewater treatment facilities.
  • Composite Panels: Used in the internal structure of composite panels to enhance panel strength.