Properties
Properties
Fibre reinforced plastic: a relatively young material with special properties and many applications that have yet to be exploited. What is the power of composite?
Strength
The strength of glass fibre composite lies somewhere between aluminium and steel. Composite is an anisotropic material. This means that the mechanical properties can be adapted to the direction in which the pressure is applied. This allows for optimal construction and weight saving.
The strength of glass fibre composite lies somewhere between aluminium and steel. Composite is an anisotropic material. This means that the mechanical properties can be adapted to the direction in which the pressure is applied. This allows for optimal construction and weight saving.
Stiffness
On average, the specific stiffness of composite is somewhere between aluminium and steel. Composites can be double-curved with relatively cheap tools, making the product extremely stiff. It is also possible to make a sandwich with foam in the centre, which results in very light constructions
On average, the specific stiffness of composite is somewhere between aluminium and steel. Composites can be double-curved with relatively cheap tools, making the product extremely stiff. It is also possible to make a sandwich with foam in the centre, which results in very light constructions
Density
The density of composite lies between 1.5 and 2.0 kg per dm3, which is significantly lighter than aluminium (2.7) and steel (7.8). In the case of ‘specific’ mechanical properties, the properties are divided by the density. These specific properties become crucial whenever weight is an important factor. The specific strength of high-quality composites is greater than that of metal.
The density of composite lies between 1.5 and 2.0 kg per dm3, which is significantly lighter than aluminium (2.7) and steel (7.8). In the case of ‘specific’ mechanical properties, the properties are divided by the density. These specific properties become crucial whenever weight is an important factor. The specific strength of high-quality composites is greater than that of metal.
Impact and dammage tolerance
Most composites can absorb a lot of energy and are therefore very impact resistant. This resistance can range from vandal-proof materials to bullet proof constructions.
Most composites can absorb a lot of energy and are therefore very impact resistant. This resistance can range from vandal-proof materials to bullet proof constructions.
Hardness
Thermal hardening plastics are harder than thermoplastic composites. The product can be made even harder by the application of special resins and further processing. In general, steel is harder still.
Thermal hardening plastics are harder than thermoplastic composites. The product can be made even harder by the application of special resins and further processing. In general, steel is harder still.
Environmental impact
Composite products generally have an extremely long life-cycle and service life. Even today, recycling is still only possible to a limited extent because two materials with totally different properties – fibre and resin - are almost inextricably bound together during production. If organic materials are used, the product can be processed as biomass after its service life has come to an end. Using closed mould systems during production has led to a reduction in solvent emissions of 95%.
Composite products generally have an extremely long life-cycle and service life. Even today, recycling is still only possible to a limited extent because two materials with totally different properties – fibre and resin - are almost inextricably bound together during production. If organic materials are used, the product can be processed as biomass after its service life has come to an end. Using closed mould systems during production has led to a reduction in solvent emissions of 95%.
UV resistant
Composites are relatively resistant to UV rays compared to other plastics. It is, however, necessary to take sufficient measures to prevent discolouration. These measures depend upon the type of resin/plastic used. Because it is possible to apply various UV resistant additives, composites are particularly suitable for outdoor use.
Composites are relatively resistant to UV rays compared to other plastics. It is, however, necessary to take sufficient measures to prevent discolouration. These measures depend upon the type of resin/plastic used. Because it is possible to apply various UV resistant additives, composites are particularly suitable for outdoor use.
Fire Safety
The degree of fire safety (fire class) depends on the type of resin and fibre used. Substances are often added to improve fire safety. There are several options for achieving this. It is therefore possible to achieve a high degree of fire safety in composites used in trains, aeroplane cabins and walls.
The degree of fire safety (fire class) depends on the type of resin and fibre used. Substances are often added to improve fire safety. There are several options for achieving this. It is therefore possible to achieve a high degree of fire safety in composites used in trains, aeroplane cabins and walls.
Thermal insulation
Composites have a high insulation value (0.174 W/mK). Exceptional U values can be achieved by using sandwich material.
Composites have a high insulation value (0.174 W/mK). Exceptional U values can be achieved by using sandwich material.
Smell
For quite some time after production, polyester may smell of styrene, the solvent used. NPSP has significantly reduced these post production emissions with the use of closed mould technology.
For quite some time after production, polyester may smell of styrene, the solvent used. NPSP has significantly reduced these post production emissions with the use of closed mould technology.
Colour
Composite products can be finished in all RAL and Sikkens colours. The VA-RTM technique in double moulds makes it possible to manufacture each production half in a different colour which can be applied in the same production run. To make deep scratches less visible compared to varnished steel or wood, products can also be permeated with colour.
Composite products can be finished in all RAL and Sikkens colours. The VA-RTM technique in double moulds makes it possible to manufacture each production half in a different colour which can be applied in the same production run. To make deep scratches less visible compared to varnished steel or wood, products can also be permeated with colour.
Acoustic
Composites reinforced with natural fibres such as hemp and flax, insulate sound vibrations extremely well. NPSP uses this feature to produce speaker horns among other products. Natural fibre composite is also used in car interiors.
Composites reinforced with natural fibres such as hemp and flax, insulate sound vibrations extremely well. NPSP uses this feature to produce speaker horns among other products. Natural fibre composite is also used in car interiors.
Elektromagnetic
Composite allows electromagnetic rays to pass through practically unhindered. In particular, composites reinforced with natural fibres hardly disturb the rays at all. This makes them the perfect material for radar housing.
Composite allows electromagnetic rays to pass through practically unhindered. In particular, composites reinforced with natural fibres hardly disturb the rays at all. This makes them the perfect material for radar housing.
Shrinkage/precision
Composite has an extremely low thermal expansion coefficient (40*10-6 /K). The final value depends upon the quality of the fibre, the type of fabric and the adhesion between the fibre and matrix.
Composite has an extremely low thermal expansion coefficient (40*10-6 /K). The final value depends upon the quality of the fibre, the type of fabric and the adhesion between the fibre and matrix.
Moisture
Composite is – if it is produced and finished properly – extremely resistant to moisture. NPSP uses it to make yachts. This also holds true for the natural fibre composite used in the sanitary facilities produced for Staatsbosbeheer.
Composite is – if it is produced and finished properly – extremely resistant to moisture. NPSP uses it to make yachts. This also holds true for the natural fibre composite used in the sanitary facilities produced for Staatsbosbeheer.
Translucence
It is possible to produce a partially transparent composite by using clear resin, selected fibres and an air-free production technique. Clear resin reveals the fibre and enhances the desired effect: playful, chic, sturdy or transparent.
It is possible to produce a partially transparent composite by using clear resin, selected fibres and an air-free production technique. Clear resin reveals the fibre and enhances the desired effect: playful, chic, sturdy or transparent.
Texture
There is practically no limit to the possible surface designs. Texture is applied in the mould during production using mats, high-quality cutting work or jets. If clear resin is used, the fibres and the structure or print of the fabrics will determine the effect and can add an attractive depth to the final product.
There is practically no limit to the possible surface designs. Texture is applied in the mould during production using mats, high-quality cutting work or jets. If clear resin is used, the fibres and the structure or print of the fabrics will determine the effect and can add an attractive depth to the final product.
Adaptability of shape
Composites can be made in practically any shape or size. It is even possible to construct complex shapes for small series. The VA-RTM technique utilises thin liquid resin, which makes it possible to flood difficult mould shapes filled with fibre. It is also possible to produce non-self releasing shapes. The separate parts will then be combined seamlessly and finished after being released from the mould.
Composites can be made in practically any shape or size. It is even possible to construct complex shapes for small series. The VA-RTM technique utilises thin liquid resin, which makes it possible to flood difficult mould shapes filled with fibre. It is also possible to produce non-self releasing shapes. The separate parts will then be combined seamlessly and finished after being released from the mould.
Quantities
NPSP can produce just one single item or several thousand. Relatively low start-up costs enable us to make prototypes and unique examples at their actual size. Not until the prototype meets all requirements will the final mould be made and serial production commence. If we have a larger order, we can work with experienced partners who use additional techniques.
NPSP can produce just one single item or several thousand. Relatively low start-up costs enable us to make prototypes and unique examples at their actual size. Not until the prototype meets all requirements will the final mould be made and serial production commence. If we have a larger order, we can work with experienced partners who use additional techniques.
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