---
title: "Fibre-reinforced plastics: characteristics, applications"
subject: "Engineering Chemistry"
chapter: 4
key: "semester_2/engineering_chemistry:frp-characteristics"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/frp-characteristics
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Fibre-reinforced plastics: characteristics, applications

Engineering Chemistry · Chapter 4: Engineering Polymers

- Asked in: 2072 Magh, 2.5 marks
- Video: [Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP): Composition and Applications | Engineering Chemistry Explainer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gqgFdghZhg) — My Notes with ai
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/frp-characteristics
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/chapter-4

## Question

What are fibers-reinforced plastics? Write down the characteristics and its applications.

## Short answer

Fibre-reinforced plastics are composites of a polymer matrix (epoxy, polyester) with strong fibres (glass, carbon, aramid). Characteristics: very high strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, corrosion resistance, good fatigue resistance, low thermal expansion, and ease of moulding. Applications: aircraft parts, car bodies, boat hulls, pipes, sports goods, and circuit boards.

## Answer

**Fibre-reinforced polymers (plastics)** are composite materials made of a polymer matrix (epoxy, polyester, nylon, vinyl ester) reinforced with strong fibres such as glass, carbon, aramid (Kevlar) or boron. The fibres carry the load, and the resin binds them and transfers the stress.

```text
 resin matrix  ┌──────────────────────┐
  ═══ fibre ═══│ ═══════ ═══════ ═════│
  ═══ fibre ═══│ ═══════ ═══════ ═════│
               └──────────────────────┘
```
**Characteristics:** very high strength-to-weight ratio, high stiffness, corrosion and chemical resistance, good fatigue and impact resistance (glass, aramid), low thermal expansion, electrical insulation (GFRP) and ease of moulding into complex shapes. Disadvantages: costly (carbon), poor recycling, and some brittleness.

**Applications:** aircraft and spacecraft parts, car bodies and bumpers, boat hulls, water tanks and pipes, reinforcing bars and bridge strengthening, sports goods, and printed circuit boards.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What are fibre-reinforced plastics?
   A. Composites of a polymer matrix reinforced with strong fibres like glass or carbon
   B. Plastics containing sand
   C. Pure fibres
   D. Metal alloys
   Answer: A. Fibres carry the load; the resin binds them. (Key point: Definition)

2. Which is a characteristic of FRPs?
   A. Poor corrosion resistance
   B. High strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance
   C. Very high density
   D. Cannot be moulded
   Answer: B. They are strong, light, stiff and resist corrosion. (Key point: Characteristic)

3. Which FRP is an electrical insulator?
   A. GFRP (glass)
   B. Steel
   C. Copper
   D. None
   Answer: A. Glass-fibre reinforced plastics are electrical insulators, used in PCBs. (Key point: Electrical)

## Related in Engineering Chemistry

- [Technical applications of fiber reinforced plastics](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Afrp-applications) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 4
- [Fiber reinforced polymers and applications](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Afiber-reinforced) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 4, asked 2×
- [Explosive characteristics; GTN and TNT; applications](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Aexplosive-characteristics-gtn-tnt) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 7
- [Biodegradable polymer; carbon reinforced polymers, chalcogenide glasses](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Abiodegradable-carbon-chalcogenide) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 4

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