FRP Suming Up

FRP - Fiber Reinforced  Plastic

Fiber Reinforced Plastics(F.R.P) was founded during ‘The World War ll’ and  it is commonly use in boat building industry now days.  F.R.P has a lot of advantages for instant, cost effective, design flexibility, and excellent material for sensitive electrical equipment. Also, it has strong durability and corrosion resistant. In addition,it has high heat distortion and water proof. safety


Hazards


*Fire - Resin : Pluester and epoxy resins are flammable ; they have
                              a low flash   point(31c)
      Catalysts :  It can explode if heated rapidly. Catalyst soaked
                              rags  should be put in buket od water or  
                              kept  damp.
          Solvent : Acetone is highly flammable and its vapour is heavier
                                             than  air.


Health


Styrene vapour - Styrene Monommer
Glass fibre       - ventilation
Solvent            - rubber gloves and repirator



CATALYSTS

Methyl Ethyl Keton Peroxide (M.E.K.P)


This is the most commonly used catalyst with polyeser resins. It is extremely harmful to skin (eye) - Personal safety equipment need.


ADVANTAGES OF FRP

Abile to make various type of shapes, can be moulded easily and moderate cost.

High strength, good chemical resistance, does not rot, low maintenance

On theory class, we measured the gel(harden) time of gel coat and polyester. In 20 degree of temperature, our class put 2.5% of M.E.K.P into the both gel coat and polyester resins. These resins has short setting(gel) time.Polyester cured in 12minutes and 22minutes later, gel coat had cured. It means we should prepare and make specific working plan when we use both materials.  

As gel coat become solid soon, we also need to wash the tools quickly after using. When I tried to use air brush the top of small hole was blocked by hardened gelcoat. For using tools again cleaning is extremely important.

Moreover, the safety issue is really considered. I was in the workshop without a respirator, and I could not stand no more 5 minutes. It brang some headache and nausea. Those resin or catalyst are very harmful for our body. It can brought skin trouble, in particular,if the liquid get into eyes, it might make serious problems. Therefore, we need personal safety equopments when we deal with these kind of chemical materials.