Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) is a high-performance material compounded from glass fibers as the reinforcing agent and a polymer resin as the matrix, using specific processes. Its core structure consists of glass fibers (such as E-glass, S-glass, or high-strength AR-glass) with diameters of 5∼25μm and thermosetting matrices like epoxy resin, polyester resin, or vinyl ester, with a fiber volume fraction typically reaching 30%∼70% [1-3]. GFRP exhibits excellent properties such as a specific strength exceeding 500 MPa/(g/cm3) and a specific modulus exceeding 25 GPa/(g/cm3), while also possessing characteristics like corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, a low coefficient of thermal expansion [(7∼12)×10−6 °C−1], and electromagnetic transparency.
In the aerospace field, the application of GFRP began in the 1950s and has now become a key material for reducing structural mass and improving fuel efficiency. Taking the Boeing 787 as an example, GFRP accounts for 15% of its non-primary load-bearing structures, used in components like fairings and winglets, achieving a weight reduction of 20%∼30% compared to traditional aluminum alloys. After the cabin floor beams of the Airbus A320 were replaced with GFRP, the mass of a single component decreased by 40%, and its performance in humid environments significantly improved. In the helicopter sector, the interior panels of the Sikorsky S-92′s cabin use a GFRP honeycomb sandwich structure, achieving a balance between impact resistance and flame retardancy (complying with FAR 25.853 standard). Compared to Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), the raw material cost of GFRP is reduced by 50%∼70%, providing a significant economic advantage in non-primary load-bearing components. Currently, GFRP is forming a material gradient application system with carbon fiber, promoting the iterative development of aerospace equipment towards lightweighting, long life, and low cost.
From the perspective of physical properties, GFRP also possesses outstanding advantages in terms of lightweighting, thermal properties, corrosion resistance, and functionalization. Regarding lightweighting, the density of glass fiber ranges from 1.8∼2.1 g/cm3, which is only 1/4 that of steel and 2/3 that of aluminum alloy. In high-temperature aging experiments, the strength retention rate exceeded 85% after 1,000 hours at 180 °C. Furthermore, GFRP immersed in a 3.5% NaCl solution for one year showed a strength loss of less than 5%, while Q235 steel had a corrosion weight loss of 12%. Its acid resistance is prominent, with a mass change rate lower than 0.3% and a volume expansion rate lower than 0.15% after 30 days in a 10% HCl solution. Silane-treated GFRP specimens maintained a bending strength retention rate exceeding 90% after 3,000 hours.
In summary, due to its unique combination of properties, GFRP is widely applied as a high-performance core aerospace material in the design and manufacture of aircraft, holding significant strategic importance in the modern aerospace industry and technological development.
Post time: Oct-15-2025
