Transparent Group

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Fiberglass – Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP)

FORMULA/CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: (SiO₂)_n

MATERIAL DESCRIPTION:

Fiberglass is a strong lightweight material and is used for many products. Although it is not as strong and stiff as composites based on carbon fiber, it is less brittle, and its raw materials are much cheaper. Its bulk strength and weight are also better than many metals, and it can be more readily molded into complex shapes. Applications of fiberglass include, aircraft, boats, automobiles, bath tubs and enclosures, hot tubs, septic tanks, water tanks, roofing, pipes, cladding, casts, surfboards, and external door skins.

EXTRACTION PROCESS:

The process of manufacturing fibreglass is called pultrusion. The manufacturing process for glass fibers suitable for reinforcement uses large furnaces to gradually melt the silica sand, limestone, and other minerals to liquid form. It is then extruded through bushings, which are bundles of very small orifices (typically 5–25 micrometres in diameter for E-Glass, 9 micrometres for S-Glass). These filaments are then coated with a chemical solution.

BASIC PROPERTIES:  (e-glass)

Tensile Strength: 3445 (MPa)

Compressive Strength: 1080 (MPa)

Density: 2.58 (g/cm³)

Thermal Expansion: 5.4 (µm/m·°C)

3D Printing: used as filament

Recyclable

Low CO2 footprint

MATERIAL SUPPLIERS:

Servei Estacio http://www.serveiestacio.com/

PRICE:

4.20 euros per 1m²

REFERENCES: 

http://antoniopiosaracino.com/new-york-city-future-furnture-award-expanding-light/

http://www.evolo.us/architecture/tensioned-relaxations-playful-outdoor-structures-for-new-york-street-fair/

http://www.williamlishman.com/underground.htm