GRP is a relatively modern composite material composed of strands of glass. Each individual glass fibre is very fine with a small diameter, and they are woven to form a flexible fabric. The fabric is normally placed in a mould and a resin is added. The process is repeated so that there are many layers of fibre glass and resin and allowed to cure. The plastic matrix may be epoxy, a thermosetting plastic (most often polyester or vinyl ester) or thermoplastic. The resulting material is very strong and light.
Benefits of Glass Reinforced Plastic
This robust material offers a number of advantages over other materials such as:
Strength and durability
Glass reinforced plastic has a high strength to weight ratio and high flexural strength making it an attractive lightweight material that builds strength into almost any finished product or component. Pound for pound, GRP can be stronger than steel and sheet metals, has a high resistance to environmental extremes, and is resistant to ultra violet light, extreme temperatures, salt air, and a variety of chemicals including most acids. As GRP is chemically inert, it is also non-corrosive.
Versatility
The unique physical properties of glass reinforced plastic make it extremely flexible meaning it can be easily tooled, moulded and manufactured to meet almost any specifications. With GRP there are few constraints on size, shape, colour or finish.
Affordability
Glass reinforced plastic is considerably less expensive than stainless steel and owing to its natural strength, durability and non-corrosive properties, it has a longer life expectancy when compared to a variety of construction materials, making it more economical.
Dielectric Properties
GRP is non-conductive, RF transparent, and helps to insulate against electromagnetic fields, making it the obvious choice for electrical and electronic equipment storage like electrical meter boxes and cabinets.
Practical Industrial Applications of Glass Reinforced Plastic
The practical uses of GRP are virtually endless. There is a growing demand for GRP products across many industries as the composite material offers many benefits to a wide range of users and industrial applications such as the following:
Desalination Plants
GRP pipes, as well as other GRP fittings, are used extensively in desalination plants from the intake and pumping station to the internal process piping and subaqueous outlet. Smooth inner pipe surfaces minimize friction and pressure loss.
Air Purification Systems
GRP has a long history of success in the air pollution control process. Typical applications include stack liners, storage tanks, limestone slurry piping and low pH/ high chloride scrubber systems. Air pollution control equipment made from glass reinforced plastic is relatively inexpensive compared to alloys.
Food and Beverage Industry
GRP products assist in the storage and transport of food related liquids. The sugar, wine, olive, brewing and canning industries benefit from the low thermal conductivity and the good resistance of GRP against aggressive acids, chemicals and cleaning liquids aiming them safe and ideal for their final destination – your home.
Petrochemical Industry
The Petrochemical Industry uses GRP pipes and GRP tanks for the transport and storage of oil, hydrocarbons and petrochemicals as well as the sewerage and brine derived from this process. GRP pipes and GRP tanks are also widely used in the fire extinguisher systems on oil rigs.
Other industries that fin practical uses of GRP products include Power Plants and Industrial Sewage Treatment plants. Glass reinforced plastic is also wide used in the manufacture and design of Slurry GRP cooling towers , distribution launders and troughs, inlet louvers and similar.
IWC (Pty) Ltd., originally founded in 1986 as Industrial Water Cooling, specialises in evaporative water cooling and GRP solutions for numerous applications as well as on-site GRP piping repair work and corrosion resistant linings.
With offices in Johannesburg, Durban and in Australia, IWC upholds quality standards (ISO 9001-2000 accredited company) and excellent customer service, while maintaining a competitive price structure. With years of expertise and practical knowledge, IWC offers bespoke GRP solutions at cost-effective and competitive pricing.
Contact IWC on +27 (0) 11 466 0699
