Fibre-reinforced plastic Composite plastics

Fibre-reinforced plastic For small objects plastics are resistant enough For bigger objects plastics are too weak We can use plastics for big objects if we increase their resistance The best way is adding fibres to the plastics

Used polymers Thermosetting resins: Epoxy Vinylester Polyester Phenol formaldehyde

Used fibres Glass Basalt Aramid Carbon Fibres must be sized (coated with a chemical substance to make sure the fibres will be sticky with the resins).

Fibres availability Mat Woven Unidirectional

Mould We need a mould with the shape of the object we want build The surface of the object in direct contact with the mould will be smooth. The other side will be rough We can choose a female or a male mould

Female mould The outer surface of the object will be smooth

Male mould The inner surface of the object will be smooth

Release agent Is used to prevent the object bonding to the mould Wax Paraffin Polyvinyl alcohol Silicone

Construction Apply a release agent layer Apply a gel coat layer Put a layer of fibre when the gel coat polymerizes Apply the resin using a roller Repeat the steps 4 & 5 until you get the right thickness Wait until the resin polymerizes (curing time) Extract the piece from the mould