Carbon Fibre and GFRP Flashcards
what is the diameter of carbon fibres
5-10 micrometers
What are the physical properties of carbon fibre?
High Stiffness High Tensile Strength Low weight High Chemical Resistance High Temperature tolerance Low thermal expansion
Where does this make carbon fibre useful?
Aerospace, civil engineering, military and motorsports
Example products made with carbon fibre?
Tennis rackets, cars, bikes, golf clubs, hockey sticks and water bottles.
What is the major impact carbon fibre has on items?
Great weight to strength performance
How has carbon fibre changed aircraft?
weight reductions of 15-30% so fuel economy increased.
What is GFRP?
GFRP stands for glass fibre reinforced plastic. It consists of very small weaved glass fibres, inside plastic.
How is GFRP made?
GFRP is made by combining a weave of glass fibres with polyester resin, which provides a piece with great strength.
what are the properties of GFRP?
Good Chemical Resistance Good Conducting Capacities Extremely Light Very Durable Incombustable Slightly Flexible Adaptablility
What are the advantages of GFRP?
No upkeep is needed due to it being weatherproof.
High strength to weight ratio
Affordable
Versatile
What are the disadvantages of GFRP?
Poor Rigidity and Structural qualities.
Limited to below 300 degrees
Uses of GFRP?
Pipes Valve bodies Pump castings Storage containers Some building design
Lay up process for GFRP? 6 marks
1 A mould or former in the shape of the product or component is Mat Release agent
prepared. This might be made from timber, manufactured boards such
as plywood or high density foam.
2 The mould or former is coated with a release agent such as wax or PVA
or is covered with parcel tape.
3 A top layer of gel coat is applied. The gel coat is a coating of polyester
resin often mixed with a pigment to give a colour to the moulding. The
amination
resin might also have additives included to prevent degradation from
UV and hydrolysis. It using CFRP then curing takes place if a specialist
oven; know as an autoclave.
4 Fibreglass matting is cut to size and laid over the former. Polyester resin
is brushed onto the matting and a small roller is used to push out any
air bubbles that may form and to smooth out the matting (this process
is called stippling). The matting is available in a range of stock forms
including chopped strand, woven and tissue’, which is a fine grade
matting for covering the surface.
5 Step 3 is repeated until the desired thickness is achieved, and fine tissue
matting is used on the top layers. A vacuum bag may be used to
compress the layers of GRP before it sets.
6 The GRP is allowed to set.
