reinforcedplastics

Reinforced plastics are composite materials that combine a polymer matrix with a reinforcing phase, such as fibers or particles. The reinforcement provides increased strength, stiffness, and thermal or impact performance, while the matrix transfers loads, protects the reinforcement, and resists environmental damage. When the reinforcement is fibrous, the material is commonly called a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP).

The most common reinforcements are fibers: glass fiber (GFRP), carbon fiber (CFRP), and aramid fibers (aramid FRP). Matrix materials are typically polymers: thermosets (epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester) offering high stiffness and dimensional stability, or thermoplastics (polypropylene, polyamide, PEEK) which are more impact resistant and recyclable. There are also particle-reinforced plastics using fillers like aluminum oxide or silica.

Manufacturing methods vary. Common processes include layup and filament winding for continuous parts, pultrusion for constant cross-section profiles, resin transfer molding (RTM) and compression molding for relatively complex shapes, and, for thermoplastics, extrusion and thermoforming. Properties are highly anisotropic and depend on fiber orientation, volume fraction, and the quality of the matrix–reinforcement bond.

Applications span aerospace, automotive, wind energy, construction, marine engineering, and sports equipment. Benefits include high specific strength and stiffness, corrosion resistance, and fatigue performance, while drawbacks include higher material costs, more complex inspection and repair, and challenges in recycling and end-of-life management for some matrices.

Environmental and lifecycle considerations vary with matrix type. Thermoplastic FRPs are generally more recyclable than thermoset-based composites. Reuse and reclamation can involve mechanical shredding or chemical processes, while energy recovery may be used for some waste. Standards and testing for mechanical performance, durability, and safety are maintained by ISO and ASTM committees.