Pultruded FRP vs Steel vs Timber vs Aluminium
| FRP Pultruded Profiles | Steel |
Timber |
Aluminium |
|
CORROSION RESISTANCE |
Superior resistance to a broad range of chemicals. Unaffected by moisture or immersion in water if ends are properly sealed. Surfacing veil and UV additives create excellent weatherability. |
Subject to oxidation and corrosion. Requires painting or galvanizing for many applications. | Can warp, rot and decay from exposure to moisture, water and chemicals. Coatings or preservatives required to increase corrosion or rot resistance can create hazardous waste and/or high maintenance. | Can cause galvanic corrosion. Corrosion resistance can be increased through anodizing or other coatings. |
INSECT RESISTANCE |
Unaffected by insects | Unaffected by insects | Susceptible to insect attack (marine borers, termites, etc.). Coatings to increase resistance to insects can be environmentally hazardous. | Unaffected by insects |
STRENGTH |
High strength-to-weight ratio, and pound-for-pound are stronger than steel in the lengthwise direction. Ultimate flexural strength (Fu) LW = 30,000 psi, CW = 10,000 psi. Compression strength is 30,000 psi | Homogeneous material. Yield strength (Fy) 36 ksi | Extreme fiber bending = up to 2800 psi.* Compression parallel to grain = up to 1800 psi.* | Flexural strength (Fu) 35 ksi. Homogeneous material. |
STIFFNESS |
Modulus of elasticity LW = 2.5 x 106 psi CW = .8 x 106 psi Will not permanently deform under working load. | Modulus of elasticity 29 x 106 psi | Modulus of elasticity = up to 1.8 x 106 psi.* | |
WEIGHT |
Lightweight - weighs 75% less than steel & 70% the weight of aluminium on density basis1/2" thick plate = 4.7 lbs./sq. ft. Specific gravity = 1.7 – 1.85 | Could require lifting equipment to move from one place to another 1/2" thick plate = 20.4 lbs./sq. ft. | Specific gravity = .51 (oven dried).* | Lightweight - about 1/3 that of copper or steel. |
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY |
Does not conduct electricity. Low Thermal Conductivity 4 (BTU/SF/HR/Fo/IN). | Conducts electricity. Grounding potential. Thermal Conductivity 260-460 (BTU/SF/HR/Fo/IN). | Timber can be conductive when it is wet. | Conducts electricity - grounding potential. |
FINISHING AND COLOR |
Pigments added to the resin provide color throughout the part. Special colors available. Composite design can be customized for required finishes. | Must be painted for color. To maintain color and corrosion resistance, repainting may be required | Must be primed and painted for colors. To maintain color, repainting may be required. | Silver color. Other colors require prefinishes, anodic coatings and paints. Mechanical, chemical and electroplated finishes can be applied. |
COST |
Lower installation and maintenance costs in industrial applications often equal lower lifecycle costs. | Lower initial material cost | Lower initial cost. | Extrusion tooling is relatively inexpensive. Part price comparable or slightly lower. |
THEFT DETERRENT |
FRP can’t be re-cycle. Therefore does not have any commercial values | Due to high demand for scrap metals. Steels are prone to theft | Prone to theft | Prone to theft |