Fibreglass can be defined as a synthetic material made from carbon fibres and resin. It is used in a wide variety of applications, including building construction, automobile parts, surgical implants, and marine applications. Fibreglass has been used in the construction industry since it was first developed in the late 1960s. It is commonly specified by architects, engineers, home builders and remodelers as a construction material that functions well under high temperature conditions. Fibreglass can be used for both thermal insulation and soundproofing purposes. It was a top choice among professionals to replace traditional materials primarily due to its ability to maintain a high thermal resistance of 200°F/93°C even after coated with fire retardant chemicals.
Fibreglass is a manufactured material composed of glass fibres that are bonded together with binder. Fibreglass is used in applications as diverse as aircraft and automobile body parts, boats and yachts, tanks, furniture and even lawn furniture. Fibreglass is also used to make fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) components. FRP components have similar properties to fibreglass (e.g., heat resistance) but may be more expensive because they are made from high-quality raw materials.
Fibreglass is a relatively new material that has been used in industry since the 1940s. It has become one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives to steel and aluminium because of its strength, light weight, durability, and ease of fabrication. Fibreglass is commonly used for a wide range of applications including boats, aircraft parts and structures, windscreen frames, furniture and home goods.
Fibreglass is a thermoset plastic that is made by cross-linking glass fibres in a heated polymer matrix. The fibres are typically made from aramid, a synthetic material that is stronger than steel.
A fibreglass product basically consists of glass fibres that are spun together into a very fine mesh. When this mesh is moulded into different shapes it becomes a composite material known as a fibreglass product. The most common type of fibreglass product is used as an insulation material in buildings such as houses and office buildings. Other types include soundproofing solutions for cars and trucks; acoustic panels for walls; insulation products like underlayment or vapour barriers; roofing membranes; garage door skins; roof tiles; siding materials; skylights; shower doors; vinyl siding; vinyl windows (flat-panel windows); weather stripping for doors and windows (door gaskets), window screens, etc.
As a material, fibreglass has been used in many different ways across a variety of industries. Everything from boats and spacecraft to tents, roofing, and more have used fibreglass as critical parts to their design and construction. As new innovations continue on an annual basis, the uses for fibreglass continue to grow. Despite its many advantages, glass fibre may prove to be too expensive for some building applications. Fibreglass, while not as strong as glass fibre, is also much cheaper and more versatile. The increased use of glass fibre in high-end construction could hurt sales of fibreglass.