Innovative composite materials are becoming increasingly popular in modern construction . What is fiberglass for cars and why is it so widespread? These issues are quite relevant at present.
A modern composite is a material that consists of a number of components. Simply put, it is not a monolithic substance, but a mixture of a wide variety of elements. The composite consists of a matrix, which is a plastic base filled with layers of a large number of materials.
What is the advantage of fiberglass for cars over all other modern materials? First of all, it is very strong and tough, but along with this rather light and elastic material. Fiberglass quantitatively and qualitatively superior to each of the components. If composites are used in the automotive industry, the design will acquire excellent mechanical properties, and this in no way will affect its weight.
Fiberglass and Epoxy
When combining the above components, one of the best modern composites is obtained - fiberglass. Currently, this is the most popular and common material that is used in automotive systems.
Some time ago, most of the most diverse parts were made of metal or plastic. But, as practice shows, neither the one material nor the other withstood the test of time and criticism. Any products made of metal had a rather large weight and often failed due to the occurrence of corrosion processes, but the fiberglass body proved itself only on the positive side, even with prolonged use, the appearance of rust is completely eliminated.
As for plastic, on the contrary, it is too brittle, brittle and unable to withstand significant loads, but is characterized by low weight. The discovery of fiberglass has fundamentally changed everything.
Fiberglass internal structure
The modern material fiberglass is an epoxy fiberglass, the basis of which is a filler made of fabric treated with resin. The frame of the material creates the fiber, which is also responsible for the quality level of the part made of fiberglass. The main criteria for this substance are the degree of resistance to bending or breaking and the level of strength.
Epoxy resin is a binder component. It determines the performance properties of fiberglass, for example, corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, elasticity and dielectric properties. Fiberglass and epoxy form a unique structure that allows you to have so many advantages over all other materials.
Epoxy Glass Fiber Production Technology
Fiberglass industrial production is carried out either in one or in two stages. When carrying out the technological process, glass fiber is drawn directly from the molten glass mass. If the production of the material is carried out in two stages, then first small parts of the melted glass or original glass balls are made. They melt, after which resin is added to the resulting fiberglass. Thanks to this technology, the fiberglass bumper is much stronger than plastic.
Material benefits
Fiberglass has quite a few important advantages over all other similar materials. Consider them:
- moisture resistance;
- light weight;
- simplicity of laying;
- resistance to environmental influences;
- cost (choosing fiberglass, the price of which is about 100 rubles per 1 sq. meter, you significantly reduce the cost of car repair) ;
- high level of thermal insulation;
- long term of operation - up to 50 years;
- low degree of thermal conductivity;
- speed of installation.
Fiberglass is widely used in various fields. However, the main application of this material found in automotive systems. Here, a body, a bumper and other details are made from it.
Repair Technology
Fiberglass for cars is the most suitable material, especially if it is necessary to carry out body repairs. For this work, the main thing is to strictly comply with the technology.
- The body must be cleaned of paint, for this you can use a special wash.
- After this, a piece of fiberglass is cut, the dimensions of which must correspond to the damaged place.
- The next step will be the preparation of epoxy. It is necessary to select a special container, add the hardener and mix well.
- Damaged place on the body is treated with resin.
- After that, fiberglass is glued and again coated with resin. This process is very long, since it is necessary to thoroughly treat the entire surface.
- The final touch is the finishing impregnation with resin using a roller with random movements.
Fiberglass Features
Many drivers prefer to experiment with fiberglass on their own, making new parts out of it. However, it is quite difficult to form it. To do this, it is recommended to use glass mat. Such a process does not require large investments. Fiberglass (price, again, from 100 rubles) is most often treated with gelcoat, the cost of which does not exceed 400 rubles. for one kilogram. Apply it with a brush or spray gun, and then form the necessary plane.
Why fiberglass?
Currently, most manufacturers offer consumers fiberglass for cars of different brands, based on their functional purpose. In the modern construction market, this material is worthy of competition with other types, which until recently have firmly held leading positions, for example, glass, concrete, metals and their alloys, ceramics and wood. In terms of their basic characteristics and properties, none of these materials can compare with fiberglass.
Thanks to its use, car parts acquire high strength: if the car is constantly used in winter, then its parts made of fiberglass can easily withstand different climatic conditions. It is worth adding that this material, like stainless steel, is completely resistant to neither decay nor corrosion. Thanks to his invention, a unique opportunity appeared to extend the life of cars by several tens of years, since such parts over a long period of time do not require any anti-corrosion treatment.