Composite

Materials

Composites offer distinct advantages compared to conventional materials like steel, aluminium, wood, or concrete. Properties such as high stiffness, superior strength, low thermal conductivity, and unmatched corrosion resistance are highly valued in the development of new solutions.

What are composite products made of?

Composites, often referred to as fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP), are synthetic materials made up of reinforcing fibers and a resin matrix. While these components have limited utility on their own, when combined into a composite, they offer numerous valuable benefits. In a composite material, the reinforcing fibers are responsible for withstanding tensile and compressive forces, while the matrix (the “plastic”) serves to transfer shear forces.

In modern industrial composites, glass fiber and carbon fiber are the most commonly used reinforcements. However, a variety of other fibers can be employed, with the choice depending largely on the desired material properties and the manufacturing techniques used.

Tailored material combinations

Composite materials possess a variety of properties that offer a wide range of advantages. These advantages arise not only from the unique properties of the composite material itself but also from our ability to modify its components, allowing us to adjust the characteristics of the final product.

A key feature of Spilka's pultrusion technology is its ability to customize material combinations to meet the specific requirements and specifications of the final product.

Benefits of composites

High strength 
Lightweight
Corrosion resistant
High thermal insulation
High impact strength
Radar transparent
Long-term durability
Low maintenance
Fire resistance
Dimensional stability
Customized surface finish

GRP and CFRP

We primarily use GRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic) and CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) in our composite products. Both materials are essential in industries where weight and strength are critical factors, and they offer specific benefits depending on the application.

Based on the choice of materials, composite products can have properties such as high mechanical strength, high stiffness, low weight, high thermal insulation or good electrical insulation properties. Composite products are also maintenance-free, have excellent dimensional stability, and high corrosion and chemical resistance.

These advantages stem from the unique properties of the composite material itself combined with our ability to modify its components, thereby altering the characteristics of the final product.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a widely used material in composite manufacturing, particularly in pultrusion and filament winding processes, due to its numerous advantages.

It supports the creation of dependable, efficient, and cost-effective products that adhere to strict standards and requirements. With its impressive strength-to-weight ratio, affordability, chemical resistance, electrical insulation, durability, design flexibility, thermal stability, and environmental benefits, fiberglass proves to be an outstanding choice for a variety of industrial applications. These qualities collectively ensure the production of high-performance, reliable products that meet demanding criteria.

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Carbon fiber

Carbon fiber is a highly sought-after material in composite manufacturing, particularly in pultrusion and filament winding processes.

With its superior strength-to-weight ratio, high stiffness, corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion, fatigue resistance, and electrical conductivity, carbon fiber is an excellent choice for many high-performance industrial applications. These characteristics enable the production of reliable, efficient, and advanced products that meet stringent requirements and standards.

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Resin choice

Resin serves dual functions within a composite profile: it binds the reinforcement, ensuring structural integrity, and maintains its proper alignment to uphold the composite's mechanical properties.

The specific type of resin employed additionally confers various advantages such as corrosion or temperature resistance, as well as electrical insulation.

Reinforcements

Several types of reinforcing fibres are available, with the most utilized being glass and carbon fibres.

These fibres are arranged either in a unidirectional (UD) or crosswise orientation relative to the composite under production. The mechanical characteristics of the composite primarily hinge on the chosen reinforcement, the alignment of the fibres, and the overall fibre content concerning the matrix.

Coating & painting

Surface treatment of composites is an important process for enhancing the properties of the materials and ensuring they meet specific requirements for various applications.

The surface treatment can be tailored to specific needs depending on the type of composite material used and the specific requirements of the application.


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The lifecycle of composites

Composite products have a positive influence on the environment through reduced energy consumption – both in the production itself and in use.

Low weight reduces energy consumption in transport application and low thermal conductivity is essential in building products.

Composites have a very long life span, also in harsh environments that cuts down on replacements further lowering the environmental impact.

Sustainability

Fire resistance materials

Fire resistance in composites comes from material selection, additives, and coatings, ensuring strength and safety.

Fire resistance in composite materials is achieved through a combination of selecting appropriate resins and reinforcements, incorporating fire-retardant additives, applying protective coatings, and utilizing synergistic approaches to fire safety. These strategies make composites suitable for high-performance applications where both strength and fire safety are paramount.