It's one of the strongest and most durable materials in the world.
Unlike wood, it won't warp, rot or decay from exposure to moisture or succumb to corrosion, insects, mold or mildew.
It is highly corrosion resistant. Unlike steel, it won't rust when it's exposed to harsh weather and chemicals.
FRP weighs up to 75% less than steel but is equally strong. Pound for pound, FRP structural members are stronger than many steels in the lengthwise direction.
Unlike aluminium, it has low thermal conductivity, so it's a good insulator.
Impact resistance means it keeps its shape through heavy handling and usage.
It's transparent to radio, radar, and antenna transmissions (EMI/RFI).
FRP can be formed into unlimited profiles and shapes to fit your specific needs.
Using FRP reduces the cost of projects since it requires little maintenance and doesn't need replaced.
It's made out of a combination of :
Resin, such as polyester or vinyl-ester
Reinforcements, such as fiberglass roving and mat
Additives, such as pigments, UV inhibitors, and fire retardants
Surface veil, which enhances corrosion resistance, UV protection, and appearance
Fabrication and assembly are easy to complete using standard tools- there's no need for welders or cutting torches.
Molded-in color and resin options are available, including fire retardant.
FRP delivers exceptional durability without using environmentally hazardous coatings or preservatives.
Temperature resistance means it will keep a steady temperature and remain reliable even when the weather doesn't.
FRP is up to 3.3 times as rigid as timber and will not permanently deform under working load. The modulus of elasticity is 2.8 x 106 PSI.
While stainless steel has a lower initial material cost than fiber reinforced plastic, FRP has a lower installation and maintenance cost allowing for a lower life cycle cost overall. Wood is cheaper but also much more susceptible to degradation, causing higher maintenance costs. Aluminium is comparable in price to fiberglass polymers.