ABSTRACT

FRP composites are constituted by a combination of fibres embedded in a resin matrix. While the fibres strengthen the composite, the matrix keeps the fibres together, acts as a medium transferring the loads from the fibres to the entire structure and prevents the environmental damage of the fibres (Cripps, 2002). According to GangaRao et al. (2007), the matrix is constituted by polymers, which can be classified into two main groups depending on their reaction to heat and pressure: thermosetting and thermoplastic. Based on the type of fibres some of the most used FRP materials could be classified as Glass FRP (GFRP), Carbon FRP (CFRP), Basalt FRP (BFRP) and Aramid FRP (AFRP).