Fiberglass

This article is about the plastic composite. For the insulation material, see glass wool. For the fiber itself, see glass fiber.

Fiberglass
(or fibreglass) (also called glass-reinforced plastic, GRP, glass-fiber reinforced plastic, or GFRP) is a fiber reinforced polymer made of a plastic matrix reinforced by fine fibers of glass. It is also known as GFK (for German: Glasfaserverstärkter Kunststoff).

Fiberglass is a lightweight, extremely strong, and robust material, and is used for many products. Although strength properties are somewhat lower than carbon fiber and it is less stiff, the material is typically far less brittle, and the raw materials are much less expensive. Its bulk strength and weight properties are also very favorable when compared to metals, and it can be easily formed using molding processes.

The plastic matrix may be a thermosetting plastic (most often epoxy, polyester or vinylester) or thermoplastic.

Common uses of fiberglass include high performance aircraft (gliders), boats, automobiles, baths, hot tubs, septic tanks, water tanks, roofing, pipes, cladding, casts, surfboards and external door skins.