Language
Country/Area
No result found
The mysterious origin of fiber-reinforced plastic: How was it created?
Fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), also known as fiber-reinforced polymer (fiber in American English), is a composite material reinforced by a polymer matrix and fibers. These fibers are usually glass, carbon, aramid or basalt, although less common fibers such as paper, wood, boron or asbestos are also used. The polymer was usually an epoxy, vinylester or polyester thermoset, although phenolic resins are still used today. Today, FRP is widely used in the aerospace, automotive, marine and construction industries, and can even be seen on ballistic armor and cylinders of self-contained breathing apparatus.
Historical Review
The earliest fiber-reinforced plastics attracted the attention of many scientists due to their unique properties. In the early 20th century, Bakelite was considered the first fiber-reinforced plastic. Understanding this process can be traced back to the chemist Leo Baekeland, whose research purpose at that time was to find a substitute for shell glue. With the understanding that many natural resins and fibers were polymers, Baekeland conducted experiments on the reaction of phenol and formaldehyde. He was the first to successfully create a hard, moldable material, the world's first synthetic plastic, Bakelite, in 1905.
In the 1930s, research into the commercial applications of fiber-reinforced plastics was in full swing. In Britain, pioneers such as Norman de Bruyne conducted extensive research, particularly in the aviation industry. The astonishing discovery occurred in 1932, when a researcher Games Slayter accidentally created fiberglass by spraying compressed air into a stream of molten glass. Subsequently, they joined forces with Corning Company and began to apply this technology to the production of their patented material called "fibreglass" in 1935.
"Fiber-reinforced plastics have initially shown the beginning of their strong potential in structural building materials."
FRP manufacturing process
The production of FRP involves two main processes, one is the manufacturing and shaping of raw materials, and the other is the bonding of fiber materials and matrix. The initial polymer material is called the matrix, which is a relatively fragile plastic with reinforced fibers that enhance its strength and elasticity.
"In fiber-reinforced plastics, the presence of fibers significantly improves the mechanical properties of the material."
Fiber manufacturing and forming process
In the FRP process, fibers are manufactured into two- or three-dimensional forms to enhance their properties. This development stems from requirements in terms of cost, mechanical properties and impact damage tolerance. The prefabricated form of fibers is the form of the material before it is further combined with a matrix, which includes techniques such as weaving, knitting, weaving and stitching.
Mold forming process
Most fiber-reinforced plastic parts are processed through molds. The preformed fibers can be dry fibers or pre-impregnated with resin, while the final part is cured in the mold to form the desired shape. Mature mold design and the application of heat and pressure can all improve material quality.
Advantages and limitations of FRP
The emergence of fiber-reinforced plastics not only revolutionized materials science, but also promoted the development of all walks of life. For example, in the aerospace field, FRP materials are widely used due to their high strength, light weight, and strong corrosion resistance. However, the production process of these materials is expensive, and this limits their widespread use in certain application areas.
In the history of overall materials science, fiber-reinforced plastics are both a product of technological innovation and a manifestation of the growth of industrial demand. In the future, with the advancement of technology and the expansion of application fields, how will the development of fiber-reinforced plastics shape our lives?
