Glass-fibre reinforced plastics structures

The experiences made have shown that biocomposites can be excellently processed to make structural material. The weight-related mechanical properties make it possible to strive for application areas that are still dominated by glass fibre-reinforced plastics. At this time, limitations must be accepted in areas with extreme environmental conditions. Main target groups therefore are, for example, panelling elements in automobile and freight car manufacturing, the furniture industry and the entire market of the sports and leisure industry. 

Mottram J T, Brown N D and Anderson D (2003), Physical testing for concentrically loaded columns of pultruded glass fibre reinforced plastic profile. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers Structures and Buildings, Vol. 152, No. 2, pp. 205-219. 

An optimal combination between aerodynamic and weight requirements was achieved for the Transrapid by modular hybrid (mixed) construction methods. For example, the glass-fibre-reinforced plastic (GRP) front module is designed for maintaining aerodynamic pressure as well as for stability under cross wind forces of 500 km/h, and is bonded to the front of the aluminium structure of the rail cars with Sikaflex products (Fig. 5). 

Ikegami, M., Kishimoto, W., Okita, K., Nakayama, H. and Shirato, M., Strength of adhesively bonded scarf joints between glass fibre reinforced plastics and metals. In Proceedings of Structural Adhesives in Engineering 11. Institute of Materials, London, 1989. 

Plastic Metal Hybrid Structural Roof Frame on 2005 Audi A6 made of Durethan BKV30 H2.0, a 30% glass fibre reinforced PA 6 from Lanxess, provides a 30% weight saving. 

Reinforced polyesters have been widely used in the boat building industry since the early sixties. Most yachts and power boats are now made of polyester resins and glass fibre. Reinforced polyester plastics are also widely used in pipe and container structures, owing to their good chemical and corrosion resistance. Polyesters have increased their role in vehicle and transportation equipment production, where many parts previously manufactured from metal have been replaced with components produced from reinforced plastics. 

Inside aircraft the fire, smoke and toxicity performance of PAEK is often their key advantage versus other plastics. PAEK produce relatively little smoke and toxic gas in fire situations and they are used extensively in cabin structures. Polyaryletherketoneketone (PEKK) (often laminated with Tedlar) is used to make thermoformed cabin interior panels. Amorphous PEKK has the advantage of being thermoformable at relatively low temperatures which are compatible with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and the various adhesives used in the laminate. PEEK is found in window surrounds, passenger service units and lamp housings. Glass fibre-reinforced PEEK is used in the... 

An further alternative approach being developed worldwide is to replace the steel completely by fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP), which consist of continuous fibres as carbon, glass or aramid, set in a suitable resin to form a composite rod or grid. These materials have high tensile strength, low density and are non-magnetic they can be used both for new structures and for repair of existing ones. The mechanical properties of FRP are determined by the amount and type of fibre, while the durability will be a function of both the resin and the fibre. 

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