Faserad

Faserad is a Swedish adjective used to describe materials or structures that are reinforced with fibers. In engineering and materials science, the term denotes a composite or a component in which fibers serve to carry a portion of the load, improving strength, stiffness and sometimes toughness relative to the unreinforced matrix.

Fibers used in faserad materials are typically continuous or short and can be arranged as layers, fabrics, or randomly oriented reinforcements. Common fiber types include glass, carbon and aramid, while matrices may be polymers, ceramics or metals. The choice of fiber, matrix and fiber orientation determines anisotropy in mechanical properties, meaning strength and stiffness can vary with direction.

Manufacturing methods for faserad materials include lamination of fiber layers, weaving or braiding of fabrics, filament winding, pultrusion and resin transfer molding. They enable complex shapes, light weight and high performance, but also pose challenges such as processing cost, interfacial bonding between fiber and matrix, and recyclability.

Applications of faserad materials span aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, wind energy and construction. They are valued for high specific strength and stiffness, impact resistance, and the ability to tailor properties through fiber architecture. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with or alongside “fibrerad” or “fibrerförstärkt,” depending on regional or industry-specific terminology.

See also: composite materials, fiber reinforcement, laminate, resin transfer molding.