ABSTRACT
Matrices for construction frp tend to be drawn from the thermosetting family of composites, with polyesters, vinylesters and epoxies being most popular, depending on the manufacturing method to be used. In terms of preparing these matrices for use in composites in the construction industry, the need to reduce specific costs (compared to the relatively high-margin, low-volume industries in which composites are used) leads to the extensive use of fillers. The proprietary nature of many frp materials means that little more extensive information on the matrices is available, and detailed discussions with suppliers regarding service conditions such as loading, chemical or climatic exposure, durability, etc. should be undertaken to ensure the correct matrix is selected when specifying frp. Specialist frc matrices tend to be more like mortars than traditional concretes. There are a wide variety of matrices for frc, notably tertiary frc and primary frc, are based on Portland cement.
