FIBREGLASS: CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPERTIES OF FIBREGLASS

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

Resin is the component in a composite which is resistant to chemical erosion. The resins in general use are (in increasing order of importance):

• Orthophthalic
• Isophthalic
• Vinilester

The fibreglass components, according to the type of resin chosen, can be used in applications from a simple environmental attack to severely corrosive environments.

MECHANICAL RESISTANCE

Glass fibres are the component in a composite which makes a product mechanically resistant. The glass fibres in general use are:

• Continuous unidirectional fibres
• Multidirectional mats with continuous fibres
• Synthetic surface veils

LIGHTWEIGHT

The specific weight of fibreglass composites (1.75 kg/dm3 approx.) makes it easy to move and install the product, as well as reducing the weight carried by supporting structures.

SELF-EXTINGUISHING

EUROGRATE® products are manufactured using self-extinguishing low smoke emission resins to reduce risks in the event of fire. The various resins are mixed with halogen free additives, free from chlorinated and brominated compounds, etc.

LOW MAINTENANCE

Thanks to the intrinsic characteristics of fibreglass, the composites do not need any special maintenance, even after many years of use in extreme applications. This automatically leads to cost savings over time.

ELECTRICAL INSULATION

Fibreglass does not conduct electricity and the composites are thus ideally suited to applications where metallic materials would require costly earthing.
In some specific applications the product needs to be conductive. In these cases a special additive is used in the resin to give the compound this characteristic.

AMAGNETIC PROPERTIES

Fibreglass is a transparent material which does not interfere with electromagnetic waves, radio waves or radar.