GFRP Woven Glass
The most common composite, "fiberglass"
Typical values for the temper in the title
Woven GFRP ("fiberglass") is made of woven glass fabrics in a resin. Because of the weave the fibers point in two directions, so the panel is strong in both, but less than unidirectional fibers (about 350 MPa in the database).
It is the most common and cheapest composite: highly resistant to corrosion and water, electrically insulating, and easy to make by simple methods (hand layup, infusion). It is used for boats, tanks and chemical piping, panels and covers, housings and pedestrian bridges.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 350 MPa | |
| Elongation A | 2.5% | |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 18 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 1.80 g/cm³ | |
| Compressive strength | 300 MPa | |
| Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) | 40 MPa | |
| Machinability | — | relative rating in the site database |
Structure: fiber and matrix
| Feature | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber | woven glass | |
| Matrix | polyester, vinyl ester or epoxy | vinyl ester: chemical resistance |
| Layup | 0°/90° (weave) | strength in two directions |
Typical values per producer data.
Constructions and versions
In a composite the "material" is built together with the part: fiber, matrix, ply directions and fiber content are chosen. The same fibers in a different layup give very different properties.
| Version | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Hand layup | cheap, variable quality | boats, large parts |
| Vacuum infusion | more fiber, fewer voids | quality parts |
| Pultrusion (profiles) | structural profiles | corrosion-resistant structures |
Applications
- Boats and hulls
- Chemical tanks and piping
- Panels and covers
- Housings
- Footbridges and gratings
Fabrication
Corrosion
Highly resistant to water and many chemicals, depending on the resin.
UV
A gelcoat layer protects the fibers from the sun.
Machining
Carbide or diamond tools, with extraction and protection from glass dust.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| GFRP UD (Unidirectional Glass) | 1000 MPa | Not possible | unidirectional glass fiber: strong in one direction · material page |
| CFRP Quasi-Isotropic | 600 MPa | Not possible | carbon fiber: stronger and stiffer, expensive · material page |
| 5083-H111 | 275–350 / 125–200 MPa | Excellent — ER5356 | marine aluminum: a metal, weldable · material page |
Common mistakes
Choosing polyester resin for a harsh chemical environment
Vinyl ester is more resistant.
Leaving it in the sun without gelcoat
The fibers are exposed and the material degrades.
Assuming it is as stiff as steel
The modulus is about 10 times lower.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| Standards | Test methods: ASTM D3039 / D790; profiles: EN 13706 |
|---|---|
| Forms | Prepreg · Winding · Pultrusion |
| Producers | Owens Corning · Vetrotex · PPG Fiber Glass |
Learn more
Values are typical and for comparison only. In composites, properties depend strongly on fiber direction, fiber content, layup and process. For design, rely on data for the specific laminate and tests. The standards mentioned are mainly test methods (ASTM D3039, D3410, D2344 and others). Sources: producer data and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026