[ Frequently Asked Questions ]
What are the advantages and benefits of using composite material?
Composite Material is a material of infinite applications, erroneously called glass fiber reinforced plastic or GFRP.
This is so because although we are dealing with a polymer and fiberglass, the resulting composite has properties far superior to those of its original components. And most importantly, it is mechanically an elastic (Hookean) material, meaning it has linear deformation.
It is not a plastic material, and therefore we can predict its behavior by applying the mechanical theories of deformable solids, bearing in mind that it is an orthotropic material, meaning it does not have the same properties in all axes.
Working with the mechanical and geometric properties, we can design all types of structures.
Composite material offers many advantages, both in the ability to adapt the composition and chemistry of the fiber and resin, as well as in weight savings and the long-lasting attributes compared to other materials such as steel and aluminum.
Advantages:
- Lightweight: composite materials provide a high strength-to-weight ratio compared to aluminum or steel, and are a rational option when structural weight savings are desired.
- Chemical and corrosion resistance: they offer lasting resistance to acidic, saline or alkaline conditions. This makes them exceptionally suitable for hostile environments such as water treatment facilities, mining, chemical or oil and gas applications, and even coastal areas.
- Unlike traditional materials, composite material will not rust or corrode, and will continue to maintain structural integrity over time.
- Durable: it has a long service life and is resistant to weathering and UV rays.
- High mechanical strength: up to 3,400 kilograms/cm² at break.
- Low installation cost: composite material can be easily and quickly cut with common hand tools. Installation of structures in this material can be carried out without heavy equipment and machinery, requiring less labor.
- Cost-effective: composite materials are manufactured according to design and specification. This means that, unlike metal manufacturing, there is no need to cut or weld.
- Thermally efficient: fiberglass is an excellent insulator and does not conduct heat or cold.
