Characteristics and Advantages of krafton® FRP

Fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) are cost-effective, high-quality glass fibre composites. At krafton®, we constantly perform internal QA checks to monitor our raw materials, the production process and the quality of the finished profiles. In addition, an external auditor reviews our processes every six months in order to guarantee optimal quality at all times.
Fibre-reinforced plastic does not corrode, not even in the most aggressive environments. This makes it a suitable material for industrial storage tanks in factories, boat hulls and stalls for livestock.

Fibre-reinforced plastic’s good electrical insulation properties also make it an ideal material for electrical engineering applications. Isolation structures that have to withstand high mechanical stresses are commonly made from glass fibre-reinforced plastic. Outdoor housings are often made from GRP due to the material’s durability and stability. FRP is definitely the material of the future!

Advantages of krafton® fibre-reinforced plastic profiles

Depending on the requirements, FRP offers many advantages in comparison to competitive materials such as steel, aluminium, concrete or wood. Each and every krafton® profile guarantees you the following properties thanks to our certified pultrusion process.

Light in weight

FRP is extremely light, unlike other structural materials. Significant weight savings can be achieved with components of the same thickness. Conversely, substantially thicker components can be built with the same weight. The weight of a plastic bridge is roughly forty percent of that of a steel and composite bridge, and less than thirty percent of the weight of a bridge made from prestressed concrete. So a bridge made from FRP can be prefabricated in much longer lengths and easily lifted into place by the crane.

Low installation costs

The substantially lower weight significantly simplifies transporting extremely large components. Other objects can be moved manually without having to use technical equipment. Furthermore, because part of the structure can be pre-assembled, the total assembly time is considerably shorter, which reduces the non-productive period when constructing new buildings or refurbishing existing buildings.

High resistance to chemicals

Because of their high resistance to a broad selection of chemicals, FRP profiles are ideal for use in pipeline construction and the chemical industry.
Good corrosion resistance

FRP does not corrode. This makes it far away the best material for applications in the maritime sector such as floor grids on drilling platforms, or applications that are subject to weathering.

Heat-resistant

Reinforced plastics and above all thermosetting polymers form a cross-linked matrix during the production process, which remain insoluble and infusible, even at high temperatures. So they remain stable, even at high temperatures. In addition to these properties, extra additives, such as a fire retardant, can also be added to the GRP material.

Durable/low-maintenance

FRP profiles are used in bridges and building structures, among other things. This is because they are weather-resistant and largely immune to “attack” by road salt, for example. Extensive maintenance, such as that required for steel, is generally not necessary.

Thermal insulation

FRP is a good thermal insulator for both cold and heat. This is an important characteristic, particularly in the construction sector, in the context of environmental preservation, energy usage and compliance with the Buildings Decree (Bouwbesluit).

UV-resistant and weather-resistant

FRP is a fibre-based composite made from polyester, resin and glass fibre strands. After curing, the material is impervious to the effects of chemicals, different weather conditions, UV radiation and salt attack in marine environments. The glass fibre strands, which are added as the resin cures, give the material extra resistance to chemicals and increase its mechanical strength. Glass fibre-reinforced plastic profiles retain their shape, colour and function.

Non-magnetic

The material’s non-conductive and non-magnetic properties lead to greater safety when it is used as a support system. Because krafton® profiles are non-conductive there is no risk of electrical current transfer from damaged cables in a FRP support system. The profiles do not require extra earthing. Furthermore, no additional action needs to be taken to prevent electrolytic corrosion.

Transparent to radar

Glass fibre composites do not cause magnetic interference and present little resistance to radio waves. The krafton® profiles are an excellent solution in applications where radio link clarity is of the greatest importance.

Environmentally friendly/recyclable

Production of fibre reinforced plastic requires 75% less energy than steel or aluminium. In addition, the material’s light weight also results in lower fuel consumption during transport in comparison to steel, wood or concrete. The CO2 footprint is substantially lower than that of comparable building materials. FRP products are also 100% recyclable and can be used again in many new products. For more information, see Environment & CSR