Why has fiberglass become a core new material for industrial upgrading in multiple fields?
No.1 Performance Advantages
Fiberglass, though its name may seem unremarkable, is actually a crucial material in the field of composite materials. It is made primarily from silicon dioxide and other raw materials through a high-temperature melt-drawing process. Based on the composition of the glass raw materials, it can be divided into alkali-free glass fiber (E glass fiber), medium-alkali glass fiber (C glass fiber), etc.; based on the diameter of the single filament, it is further divided into coarse fiber and high-grade fiber.
Fiberglass boasts significant performance advantages. Its ultra-high specific strength sets it apart, with tensile strength reaching 1000-3000 MPa, while its density is only 1/4 that of steel, truly achieving "lightweight and high strength." In terms of weather resistance, glass fiber can resist corrosion from acids, alkalis, and other chemicals, and can withstand short-term high temperatures of 300 degrees Celsius, maintaining relative stability even in humid and hot environments. A study published in 2022 by Wu Rui et al. showed that while the interlaminar shear strength of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) decreased by about 20% in a humid and hot environment at 60℃, it could partially recover after drying. Interfacial debonding was the main failure mechanism, but overall, it still exhibited good environmental adaptability. From a processing perspective, glass fiber can be perfectly matched with both thermoplastics (such as PP and PA) and thermosetting epoxy resins. Through coupling agent treatment, the interfacial bonding force with the matrix can be further improved, providing more possibilities for composite molding.
No. 2 Application Landscape
Fiberglass, with its inherent strengths, has expanded its reach in various fields. In the automotive industry, it is a major force in lightweighting, widely used in body parts, achieving weight reduction of 15%-20%, reducing energy consumption while improving handling performance. Components such as engine hoods utilize glass fiber reinforced composites, meeting high-temperature resistance requirements and possessing excellent corrosion resistance. In the aerospace field, fiberglass also has a place. Helicopter rotors use fiberglass instead of carbon fiber, offering excellent cost-effectiveness. Fiberglass is also used in interior structural components, ensuring strength while reducing weight and lowering operating costs. In daily life, fiberglass is ubiquitous. Fishing rods and golf clubs in sports equipment benefit from its high strength and good toughness, providing an excellent user experience. Fiberglass reinforced materials are used in the casings of home appliances, achieving a balance between high strength and low cost, resulting in both aesthetics and durability.
No. 3 Shortcomings and Breakthroughs
Of course, fiberglass is not without its flaws. It is relatively brittle, with a breaking elongation of only 3%-4%, making it prone to breakage under significant impact. Furthermore, its electrical properties limit its application in high-frequency communications. However, researchers have tackled these challenges. By coating the surface with coupling agents such as silanes, a strong bridge can be built between the fiberglass and the matrix, primarily improving interfacial compatibility and enhancing the toughness of the composite material. Fiberglass can also be blended with aramid fibers, complementing each other's advantages and significantly improving the material's impact resistance, thus broadening its application boundaries.
