Adhesives are substances that are used to permanently join two objects together or seal objects to prevent hazards such as oxidation, corrosion and water leakage. Adhesives come in a wide assortment of types and materials, used for applications ranging from industrial to biomedical to pharmaceutical.
Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) adhesive is one option that is commonly used for high-traffic commercial settings, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It is also often used in mechanical insulation applications. Could it be the solution you have been looking for? Get a better understanding of FRP adhesive and its best use cases.
What Is FRP Adhesive?
FRP is a low-odor, low-solvent, high-strength adhesive used to bond interior applications. It is reinforced with fiberglass, increasing the product’s overall strength. FRP adhesive is a popular solution for a wide range of commercial and industrial projects because it is both easy to apply and clean up.
What Are the Most Common Types of FRP Adhesives?
FRP adhesives differ depending on the types of fibers they are made of. Fibers such as glass, carbon and aramid have unique strengths and weaknesses.
Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)
GFRP is created by mixing ingredients such as silica, limestone and folic acid, then melting and weaving the fibers. The material is effective because it isn’t susceptible to moisture, it’s impact resistant, and it provides electrical insulation.
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)
CFRP is a material that has a high modulus of elasticity, at approximately 200-800 GPa. Carbon is generally effective because it is both water- and chemical-resistant, it holds up against fatigue, and it won’t corrode or show creep or relaxation.
Aramid Fiber Reinforced Polymer (AFRP)
AFRP — or aromatic polyamide — is most recognizable in the form of Kevlar. It has a low modulus of elasticity, at approximately 70-200 GPa. AFRP is not considered the most durable FRP adhesive material because it has high fracture energy and is sensitive to high temperatures, moisture and ultraviolet radiation. AFRP is also susceptible to corrosion and relaxation.
What Are FRP Adhesives Used For?
FRP adhesives are used in a variety of industrial applications, depending on the type of material. Some of these uses include:
- Insulation adhesive
- Prestressed concrete
- Underwater piping
- Concrete structure reinforcement
- Structures that need electrical neutrality
- Engineering structures subject to impact loading
What Are the Benefits of Using FRP Adhesives?
By using FRP adhesives, you not only get quality products but also several advantages. These products may be ideal for your use case if factors like production and installation time, product weight, and product maintenance are important.
Time Savings
Do you need to have your product in place in a hurry? FRP adhesives save you time for both production and installation. As a result, you also save on costs that would otherwise be incurred by longer production or installation processes.
Manageable Weight
Does your use case require something that is a little lighter? FRP adhesives are lightweight compared to other composites, which also makes installation less labor-intensive.
Low Maintenance
What if you could just “set and forget” your adhesives, without having to worry about replacing or maintaining them? Remember: FRP adhesives are durable and resistant to corrosion, so they last longer and do not require much maintenance. Although these products are a bit more expensive, you benefit from long-term cost savings.
When Should FRP Adhesives Be Avoided?
Although such products are valuable — and useful — in a number of ways, FRP adhesives are not ideal in every situation. The main reason not to use these products is when adhesion could cause peeling and bubbling once it is applied.
This peeling and bubbling reaction is caused by:
- Using too much or too little adhesive
- A cold installation environment (below 40 F)
- A dirty installation surface
- Incorrect spacing between panels
- A lack of a structural base
Are There Alternatives to FRP Adhesive?
Of course, FRP adhesives are not your only option, but they are often considered to be superior. That said, FRP adhesive alternatives such as long fiber injection (LFI) adhesives are ideal for projects that do not require as much support. LFI may be a better fit if you need something that is:
- Lightweight
- Less expensive
- Still provides substantial impact resistance
Remember: Do not prioritize cost if the alternative will not get the job done right.
Choose the Best FRP Adhesives
When you need adhesives for a project, you have your pick of options to get the job done, depending on your use case and priority benefits. FRP adhesives come in glass, carbon and aramid composite varieties to provide durability and long-term effectiveness.
In the market for FRP adhesives? We offer a range of products from top manufacturers and brands. Get in touch with the experts at Distribution International for your next project.