FIBREGLASS

1. FIBREGLASS

2. GFRP or GRP Glass Fibre Introduction Makeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future First of all…

3. Strength Weight Introduction Makeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future An introduction to Fibreglass 20% less than Mild Steel... Same as Cast Iron 10% heavier than cotton.. 40% lighter than Aluminium… 25% more than Mild Steel.. Cost Same as Aluminium

4. Fibreglass is a composite It is made of very thin glass fibres embedded in a resin Introduction Makeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future What is Fibreglass? A combination of two materials giving enhanced properties

5. Why use Fibreglass?

6. The Makeup of Fibreglass

7. Glass fibres Resin ‘Suitable liquid’ + IntroductionMakeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future The Recipe for Fibreglass =

8. IntroductionMakeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future Used in bullet-proof jackets So why is fibreglass strong and durable?

9. The number of glass fibres The type of resin IntroductionMakeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future What affects its strength and durability? • The direction of the glass fibres Note: There is a balance! • Weathering?

10. Fibreglass Glass Fibres IntroductionMakeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future Going Deeper into Fibreglass Glass Fibres Resin

11. More than 150 kilometres from one marble 16mm in diameter! 1/20th the width of human hair! IntroductionMakeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future How thin are the glass fibres?

12. IntroductionMakeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future Going Deeper into Fibreglass Fibreglass Glass Fibres Glass Fibres Resin

13. Firstly there are different types of resin The three most common ones are Polyester Vinyl ester Epoxy IntroductionMakeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future What about the resin?

14. IntroductionMakeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future How the resin is made Polyester Vinyl ester Epoxy ‘Suitable liquid’ • Catalyst • Additives • Colour • Other chemicals to enhance properties

15. IntroductionMakeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future How the resin is made PolyesterVinyl ester Epoxy + Catalyst

16. IntroductionMakeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future …and Epoxy? How the resin is made PolyesterVinyl ester Epoxy +Hardener • Takes part in the reaction • Usually an amine

17. Shrinks less during curing Curing ratios have to be very accurate IntroductionMakeupPros and Cons Properties Uses History Future The Pros and Cons of using Epoxy Pros Cons • Greater Chemical resistance

18. IntroductionMakeupPros and Cons Properties Uses History Future The Pros and Cons of using Epoxy Also to note...

19. Shrinks less during curing Curing ratios have to be very accurate IntroductionMakeupPros and Cons Properties Uses History Future The Pros and Cons of using Epoxy Pros Cons • Greater Chemical resistance • Costs a lot more • Stronger composite • Corrosive to handle

20. Vinyl ester is essentially polyester resin with epoxy molecules in the main molecular structure IntroductionMakeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future So where does Vinyl Ester come in?

21. IntroductionMakeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future How the resin is made PolyesterVinyl ester Epoxy + Catalyst

22. Vinyl ester is less susceptible to damage by water It is stronger than polyester resin IntroductionMakeupPros and Cons Properties Uses History Future …and as a result... BUT... • It is harder to cure and repair

23. The Properties of Fibreglass

24. Strength depends on arrangement of glass fibres More glass fibres can be placed on specific areas to enhance strength Chemicals can be added to improve fire resistance and all sorts of other properties Introduction Makeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future Fibreglass is adaptable

25. Introduction Makeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future Fibreglass is Cost Effective • Same cost as Aluminium and 25% more than Mild Steel BUT... • Less tooling costs • No rusting • Can be assembled in one piece • Repairable damage

26. Fibreglass is 80% lighter than mild steel… ...and 40% lighter than Aluminium! Introduction Makeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future Fibreglass is weight-saving Mass of Fibreglass required to give same strength as metal

27. Introduction Makeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future Fibreglass vs Metal and wood

28. Non-metal :- Good insulator both against heat and electricity Easily cleaned due to smooth finish Not naturally flame retardant Different colours/textures available Introduction Makeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future Other properties of Fibreglass • Can be manufactured easily and in one piece

29. Uses of Fibreglass

30. Introduction Makeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future The uses of Fibreglass

31. Introduction Makeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future Some specific examples...

32. The History of Fibreglass

33. Introduction Makeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses History Future The History of Fibreglass • Originally modelled on nature :- Bamboo • Glass fibre was used by the Egyptians Heat treatment Dale Kleist • Fibreglass came in during WW2 (1942)

34. The Future of Fibreglass

35. One Problem: Microcracks can occur over time leading to failures Introduction Makeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses HistoryFuture The Future for Fibreglass One Solution: • Make a ‘Self Healing’ Composite

36. Embed Catalyst and Microcapsules of repair fluid into the composite Leads to: Reduced weathering effects Less failures More reliability Introduction Makeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses HistoryFuture Self-healing Fibreglass

37. Introduction Makeup Pros and Cons Properties Uses HistoryFuture Self-healing Fibreglass in detail