Glass reinforced plasticGRP

A pigmented, resin-rich surface coat applied to the mould face before laminating, which cures to form the smooth, weather-resistant outer surface of a GRP moulding. It protects the underlying laminate from moisture and UV exposure and provides the colour and gloss of the finished part.

A non woven glass reinforcement made from chopped strands distributed randomly and held with a powder or emulsion binder that dissolves in styrene based resins. It gives roughly equal in plane properties in all directions, wets out readily by hand lay up and is the standard reinforcement in GRP flat roofing laminates. It is specified by areal weight.

A thermosetting resin dissolved in a reactive monomer, usually styrene, that cures by free-radical polymerisation when initiated with an organic peroxide such as MEKP. It is the workhorse matrix for glass-reinforced plastic in boat building, GRP roofing, tanks and vehicle panels, offering low cost and straightforward processing.

The umbrella term for composites in which fibres such as glass, carbon, aramid or basalt reinforce a polymer matrix. In construction the abbreviation FRP commonly covers pultruded profiles, reinforcing bar and externally bonded strengthening systems.

A gelcoat formulated with a wax additive so that its surface cures fully in air, applied by brush or roller as the final coat on GRP surfaces laminated against an open face rather than a mould. It is the standard topcoat on GRP flat roofs and on site-laminated linings and repairs.