FRP (FIBERGLASS REINFORCED POLYESTERS)
ACCULAM®   EXTREN®   GLASTIC®

SPECIFICATIONS:

U.S. FEDERAL L-P-509A TYPE IV
ASTM D3917          ASTM D4357 CLASS 1 TYPES II, III and IV
NEMA GRADES GP0-1, GPO-2 and GPO-3

NATURAL COLOUR:
   OFF-WHITE

These materials are available with a wide range of properties to meet specific end-use applications. There are two basic products available from Claremont Polymer Shapes. Firstly, electrical grades meeting N.E.M.A. specifications. High physical strength, electrical arc resistance, fire retardancy and high heat resistance characterize this group. Such materials are used for high strength, non-conductive parts; like switch bases and panel mountings. The second major use area is structural members. These FRP's are characterized by high physical strength, lightweight compared to metals, corrosion resistance, dimensional stability, high heat resistance and, in some grades, flame retardancy. Products in this group are used often to replace steel or stainless steel in areas such as chemical plants. Angles, channels, beams, tubes and rods are produced by PULTRUSION; a method involving the pulling of glass fiber strands through liquid polymer and a heated die to cure the polymer setting the material to shape. This process confers a great variation in physical properties between lengthwise (LW) and crosswise (CW) directions. Since FRP is a thermoset polymer, it cannot be further shaped by heat after curing. Additional heating only deteriorates the polymer binding the fiberglass, causing embrittlement and eventually charring.

With all FRP grades, cutting and machining present some difficulties. With high loadings of glass fibers or glass cloth used to reinforce the polymer, tool-wear on saw blades, drill bits, etc. is severe even when carbide is used. Often diamond particle saw blades are used for cutting. Lubricants can create problems since the internal structure is exposed in cutting and often some of the lubricant is absorbed. This can lead to swelling and deterioration at that point. As well, the dust produced from cutting and/or machining operations is laden with tiny glass particles and presents a serious health hazard. Dust collection systems and masks are a must when cutting or machining FRP.

GENERAL PROPERTIES
  ASTM test NEMA
GP0-3		 Pultruded Rod & Bar PULTRUDED SHAPES
Fire Retardant Corrosion Resistant
LW CW LW CW
SPECIFIC GRAVITY   D792 1.88 2.00 1.72 1.72 1.80 1.80
TENSILE STRENGTH psi D638 13000 90000 30000 7000 37500 10000
TENSILE MODULUS 105 psi D638 11 60 25 8 30 10
ELONGATION % D638 3.5 0.7 2.5 2.5 4.0 4.0
FLEXURAL STRENGTH psi D790 23000 90000 30000 10000 37500 14000
FLEXURAL MODULUS 105 psi D790 15 55 16 8 20 10
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH 10% psi D695 30000 50000 30000 15000 37500 20000
COMPRESSIVE MODULUS 105 psi D695   55 25 10 25 12
HARDNESS rockwell M D785 M97 M110 M105 M105 M100 M100
IMPACT STRENGTH
(1/2" x 1/2")		 ft-lb/inch of notch D256 8.5 35 25 4 30 5
THERMAL EXPANSION 10-5/°F D696 0.7 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
HEAT RESISTANCE
(continuous in air)		 °F   285 300 260 260 260 260
DEFLECTION TEMPERATURE   D648            
@ 264 psi °F   375 410 390 390 215 215
@ 66 psi °F   450 500 450 450 300 300
DIELECTRIC STRENGTH v/mil D149 400 300 200 200 200 200
DIELECTRIC CONSTANT   D150 4.0 to 6.0 5.0 5.6 5.6 5.2 5.2
DISSIPATION FACTOR 10-3 D150 2.0 to 4.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
WATER ABSORPTION 24hrs % D570 0.20 0.30 0.60 0.60 0.30 0.30
FLAMMABILITY in/min D635 0.70 0.90 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20

PLEASE NOTE:
Values shown in the above table are averages and there will be variances from lot to lot. After selecting a material based upon these values, you must conduct tests specific to your application to be assured the material suits your needs.
  
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