GRPs used to make construction elements such as corrugated or flat sheets are categorised as duromers or thermosetting plastics. Similar to concrete, fibre-reinforced plastics consist of reinforcement and a matrix.

The matrixis a resin such as polyester or epoxy, the purpose of which is to carry and distribute mechanical loads, bond the reinforcement fibres, and protect the fibres against potentially aggressive environmental exposure.

The reinforcement typically consists of very high-strength glass or carbon fibres with a wide range of longitudinal elastic properties.
Because the fibres measure less than 10µm in diameter they are bundled into unidirectional rovings, which are processed into nonwovens, fabrics, and mats.
The glass content in these products typically measures about 25 to 30%. The material is covered either with a gel coat or a special non-removable foil. Manufacturing is by casting or continuous lamination.


Quality:
GRP sheets are translucent, thermally stable (from -40°C to +120°C), highly durable, non-rotting, and corrosion resistant. Special UV-stabilisers extend the service life without causing excessive yellowing of the material. GRP sheets are resistant to many chemicals.

The advantages of glass-fibre reinforced plastics (GRP) in short:

High strength Low weight Many colours are possible Translucent applications are possible Easy to work with Corrosion resistant Durability (ageing) Good electrical and thermal insulator

Fire Protection:
Polyester resins are standard for these applications in Fire Resistance Class 4.2 (4 = moderate flammability / 2 = moderate smoke density.)
The sheets can also be produced with resins to meet Fire Resistance Class 5.2 or 5.3. Due to thermoplastic hardening, the material does not release burning drops (no falling pieces).


Colourfastness:
Only high-quality pigments are used for colouring. These conform to the latest environmental standards (lead-free, etc.) and are extremely light and weather resistant (comparable with high-quality lacquer coating).


Cleaning / Graffiti:
The sheets can be cleaned with common non-scouring household cleaners. The surface possesses very good anti-graffiti properties.


Eco-Balance: Environment and Disposal:
When determining the eco-balance according to ISO Standard 14040, the environmental impact of the material and energy flows throughout the product life-cycle are considered. Studies using the standard "environmental impact points" method and Eco-Indicator 99 and studies of external costs show that the eco-balance of GRP construction over a life-span of fifty years compares acceptably with that of wood construction.

Structures made of glass-fibre reinforced plastics can be dismantled and the material reused, or GRP can be disposed of in a normal incinerator with no need for pre-treatment.
Incineration plants value GRP because it reduces the demand for fossil fuels. The calorific value of the plastic remains bound within the material until incineration, thus GRP can serve as a substitute energy source instead of heating oil.







Killwangen / Winterthur September 2007