what is fiberglass

Fiberglass is a composite material made from very fine glass fibers. These glass fibers can be randomly arranged, woven into cloth, or flattened into mats. The fibers are combined with a plastic matrix, usually a thermosetting polymer like epoxy or polyester resin, to form a strong, lightweight, and durable material. Fiberglass is stronger than many metals by weight, non- magnetic, non-conductive, and resistant to chemicals. The material is widely used in numerous applications, including aircraft, boats, cars, bathtubs, swimming pools, roofing, pipes, cladding, orthopedic casts, and surfboards. It is also a common insulation material for thermal and electrical purposes. Fiberglass has been known since ancient times but was commercialized in the 20th century. It is favored for its strength, flexibility, and ability to be molded into complex shapes. Other names for fiberglass include glass- reinforced plastic (GRP), glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) when referring to the composite material as a whole. In essence, fiberglass is glass fibers reinforced with plastic to create a versatile, strong, and lightweight material used in many industries.