Carbon fibre reinforced polymers – properties of CFRP
If you are in charge of organising structural repairs or reinforcements within your workplace, you might have discussed the option of using carbon fibre reinforced polymers with your contractor. And if you haven’t heard about the wonder that is carbon fibre reinforced polymers – it’s only a matter of time before it’s recommended to you! You wont find carbon fibre reinforced polymers in most specialist construction worker’s kitbags – and we’ll tell you why. Here are just five properties of carbon fibre reinforced polymer. Enjoy!
1. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer is extremely strong
Though they may not look it (especially when they’re in sheet or wrap form!) but carbon fibre reinforced polymer materials can hold their own. Unlike other composites used to strengthen structures, carbon fibre reinforced polymer also relies on the host structure to achieve its desired result (1). The two components of this increasingly popular composite are enough on their own – the carbon fibre is what gives it strength (2), while the reinforced polymer resin protects the fibres and holds them together. That’s team work!
2. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer is light-weight
Carbon fibre reinforced polymer, or CFRP, are a favourable choice for most concrete strengthening jobs because of how light they are. At roughly 20% of the weight of similar products and approximately four times the strength (3), they’re easy to lift and require less manpower.
3. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer has a high fatigue resistance
Structures which have undergone a CFRP treatment are very low-maintenance. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer fails to tire easily, so the job at hand won’t need to be revisited anytime soon.
4. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer is a good conductor of electricity and a poor conductor of heat
Because CFRP materials are strong thermal conductors they do have electrical conductivity, this means you have to be careful where they are installed and make sure they’re protected. They are however non-magnetic so they definitely don’t corrode or fatigue- they can be used to reinforce and strengthen most structural members you can think of. The elements don’t intimidate carbon fibre reinforced polymer! Just ask your specialist contractor for more information
5. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer has a quick `curing time`
It takes just hours for carbon fibre reinforced polymers to cure (4). In 2014, our specialists used CFRP materials to reinforce every slab of Merchant Taylor School in London’s two-storey building, and it took us just 8 days to complete the project!
Eager to speed up your project & lower labour costs?
Introducing carbon fibre reinforced polymer to your project means less manpower required and a quicker project turnaround. Get in touch with one of our friendly specialist contractors at CCUK to find out more today…
