Fiberglass is a fiber-reinforced plastic, explaining why it’s usually referred to as glass-reinforced plastic. Fiberglass is less brittle, stronger, and lighter than ordinary glass. This explains why it finds use in roofing, aircraft, boats, bathtubs, and other applications.
Forms and Types of Fiberglass
. A-glass or alkali glass: This glass is popular because it’s chemical-resistant. Because of this, it finds use in making process equipment and is also excellent as a fiberglass hole plug to seal holes where other plugs can’t work.
. C-glass: Like A-glass, C-glass is also chemical resistant, explaining why it is also referred to as chemical glass.
. E-glass or electrical glass: This glass has good electrical insulation properties.
. AE-glass: EA-glass is an alkali-resistant glass.
. S-glass or structural glass: This glass has the best mechanical properties, explaining why it can also be used as a fiberglass hole plug.
Fiberglass also comes in different forms for different applications, including:
Fiberglass rope is used for packing purposes, fiberglass cloth is used as fire curtains, heat shields, etc., and fiberglass tapes are used for wrapping vessels and hot pipelines, among other applications.
Applications of Fiberglass
Fiberglass finds applications in many industries, primarily because of its hardness, chemical resistance, moisture resistance, and electrical insulation properties. Since it offers excellent thermal insulation and is safe and durable, it is the most preferred material in industrial gaskets.
Fiberglass provides perfect insulation and protects machinery. Not only that. It also conserves energy and ensures the professional workforce is safe. These qualities explain why fiberglass finds uses in industries such as:
. Beverage industry: In the beverage industry, fiberglass finds use in brew houses and bottling lines.
. Car washes: Fiberglass grating is excellent for its rust-resistance property. It makes the inside of the carwash tunnel brighter, making cars look cleaner.
. Chemical industry: Here, fiberglass grating finds use because of its anti-slip properties, a safety feature. Its chemical resistance property makes it valuable in many chemical industries.
. Cooling towers: Cooling towers always get wet, so they need protection to prevent corrosion or rusting. Since fiberglass has anti-corrosion properties, it’s the best material to use as screening in cooling towers to keep animals and human beings from danger.
. Marinas and docks: Marinas and docks are in constant contact with salty marine water, meaning they are prone to corrosion and rusting. That’s why fiberglass is used for its protection.
. Food processing: Fiberglass grating is used in beef and chicken processing plants because of its slip-resistance property. They do well in holding blood which can cause corrosion. Most parts of food processing plants are made of fiberglass.
. Aquariums and fountains: Fiberglass is used in aquariums and fountains to support rocks. It is also used to protect lights and spray headers against damage.
Fiberglass is also used in other industries such as:
. Defense and aerospace
. Automotive industry
. Paper and pulp industry
. Planting plants
. Power generation
. Mining and metals
. Manufacturing, etc.
Conclusion
As you can see, fiberglass is a very important material with many uses. Fiberglass has many uses because of its unique properties, like corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, water-proofing, thermal resistance, etc. No matter where you want to install fiberglass, let an expert do the job.