GRP makes snowboard more affordable
FRP wrap supports damaged structures STRONG, lightweight
and cor-
rosion resistant are said to be the
main
benefits
of
the
Aeronautical Research Laboratory’s (ARL) new method of reinforcing
existing
concrete
structures with fibre reinforced plastic (FRP). The process involves using an adhesive resin to glue carbon fibre fabric, in a wraparound fashion, to the surface of reinforced tures,
concrete
thereby
durability
struc-
increasing
and
ductibility
the of
the structural members. The carbon fibre fabric is supplied by the composite division of Chrong Yi Co Ltd, Taiwan, and is available in two forms: unidirectional (0”) and biaxial (*45”(Z). According to Chrong Yi, this gives flexibility
Low cost, high performance snowboard.
COMPRESSION moulder Composite Technologies Co (CTC), Dayton, Ohio, USA, has recently completed its first year of moulding
a high performance,
temperature
of use, based on the specific through
ed delivery system called Plasticator, then transferret into a cool mould. Steel edge and four-colour graphics are in
low cost snowboard. According to the company
moulded into simultaneously
its
one-step process.
compression
moulding
process is perfect for the manufacture of the snowboard, which was moulded out of thermoplastic, long glass fibre and a bonding polymer. The custom
designed
material
is
said to possess high strength but provide sufficient give for the novice snowboarder. The material is heated to a high
a patent
the snowboar for a finishec
Established in 1994, CT( has its own custom compound ing facility, giving it access tl raw materials ranging from re engineered,
100%
recycles
plastic to virgin resins, depend ing on product, specification and performance requirements CTC; tel: +l-937~228288C fax: +I -937-228-9184.
Reinforced Plastics welcomes your comments on any information published in the magazine or on other topics of interest to the composites industry. Send your letters to The Editor, Reinforced Plastics, Elsevier Advanced Technology, PO Box 150, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 lAS, UK; fax: +44-1865843971; e-mail:
[email protected] (Letters may be edited for reasons of clarity and space.)
6
RElNWRCEDplastics
June 2 0 0 0
application. In addition, the fabric consists of anti-corrosive materials, so they can accommodate a variety of harsh environments such as salt-damaged structures. This process is aimed at reinforcing structures that have deteriorated either through age or have been damaged, for example by an earthquake. Chrong Yi Co Ltd, tel: +8863-451-7.556; 755.5.
fax:
+886-3-451-