Fundamentals of Fibreglass THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FIBERGLASS
Composites are materials made up of two individual components
whoís combined physical strength exceeds the properties of
either of them individually. The reinforced plastic composite
consists of a fibrous reinforcing network embedded in the cured
resin matrix. The thermosetting type resin is a plastic that
cures from a liquid to a solid through a chemical reaction of
its two components. Once this reaction occurs, the material
cannot be reformed. A typical thermosetting epoxy resin has a
tensile strength below 10,000 psi and is quite brittle. When
such a resin is reinforced with glass fibers the resulting
composite can have a tensile strength between 45,000-50,000 psi.
It also becomes extremely resistant to impact damage. This high
strength for the relative low weight is the fundamental reason
that fiberglass composites are popular. Another significant
reason is their tailorability. Since the reinforcement can be
added in any direction, layers can be bu