What is Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP)?
Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) are composite materials made from high-performance fibers, such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, combined with a different resins, such as epoxy resin, polyester resin, or polyurethane resin.
This material combines the high strength of fibers with the lightweight and flexibility of plastics, resulting in a high-performance composite material. It is widely used in aerospace, construction, transportation, and other fields, and has become one of the key materials in modern industrial and technological development.
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Why is it necessary to add fumed silica to FRP?
Fumed silica(CAS number 7631-86-9), also known as pyrogenic silica, is an amorphous nano-silica produced by Minmetals East. It has a wide range of applications across various industries, including the production of composites and FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) materials.
The following are some applications and uses of fumed silica in FRP/composite materials: |
Thickening:Fumed silica (HJSIL® 200) acts as a thickening agent in composite material formulations. When added to resins, it provides a thickening effect, improving the rheological properties of the material. This characteristic is beneficial for manufacturing processes that require thicker and more viscous materials. Small amounts of fumed silica (HJSIL® 200) can be added to resins to achieve the desired thickness or viscosity. |
Thixotropy:Fumed silica (HJSIL® 200) is frequently used as a thixotropic agent in FRP/composite material formulations. Thixotropy is a property of certain materials that become more fluid when stirred or sheared and return to their original state when stirring or shearing stops. This characteristic is highly useful during manufacturing, as it helps prevent the material from sagging or collapsing during the curing process. Fumed silica (HJSIL® 200) can be used to control the thixotropic behavior of the material, allowing adjustments to meet specific manufacturing process requirements. |
Rheology Control:Fumed silica (HJSIL® 200) can be used to control the rheology of FRP/composite materials. The viscosity and flow characteristics of the material can be regulated by adjusting the amount of fumed silica (HJSIL® 200) added. This feature is particularly useful in manufacturing processes requiring specific flow behavior or viscosity. Additionally, fumed silica (HJSIL® 200) enhances material stability by preventing component settling or separation. |
Reinforcement:In FRP/composite materials, fumed silica (HJSIL® 200) can be used as a reinforcing filler to enhance the mechanical properties of the final product. Its high surface area and small particle size allow it to form a strong bond with the resin matrix and fibers. This bond improves the stiffness, strength, and toughness of the composite material. Fumed silica (HJSIL® 200) also enhances the interfacial bonding between fibers and resin, which is crucial for the overall performance of the composite material. |
In summary, fumed silica significantly enhances the mechanical and processing properties of FRP materials through reinforcement, rheology control, and improved material stability. It is widely used in high-performance fields such as aerospace, construction, and transportation. Not only does it optimize material performance, but it also boosts production efficiency and product quality, making it an indispensable multifunctional additive in FRP formulations. |
HJSIL 200 Hydrophilic Fumed Silica |
| Specific surface area (BET) |
200 ± 25m2/g |
| Loss on drying (2 hours at 105 °C) |
≤ 1.5 % |
Loss on ignition
(2 hours at 1000 °C based on material dried for 2 hours at 105 °C) |
≤ 2.5 % |
