Aspect Ratio - Generally, the ratio of diameter to length. In composites, it is the ratio of the fiber or filler in the composite matrix.

 

Bondable – Capable of being secured or fastened using a bond or rope. Fiberglass is bonable because the resins and glass that are combined to create fiberglass are bond forming. 

 

Catenary – The act of creating or maintaining equal tension in parallel fibers. Catenary also refers to having the property of this tension.

 

Chopped Strand Mat – A reinforcement of fiberglass that uses short strands of continuous rovings arranged in random order and held together with a binder.

 

Composite – Amaterial, such as fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), composed of two or more distinct substances. They combine to form functional or structural characteristics not available with a single material.

 

Compression – The process of increasing density of materials. As with fiberglass laminates, compression results in the product becoming smaller and pressed together.

 

Continuous Roving – Sizing-coated parallel filaments drawn together into single or multiple strands and wound into a cylindrical package.

 

Cupola – Also referred to as a “dome,” it is an upside down-shaped cup made of fiberglass, which covers the tops of buildings, churches and other forms of architecture.

 

Epoxy – A common surface coating that forms a tight surface structure, is strongly adhesive and shrinks little, if at all.

 

Fiber – General term for a filamentary material whose length is at least 100 times its diameter. Fiber also refers to parts of a single unit of a substance that forms threads to be woven. 

 

Fiberglass Reinforcement – Common material used to reinforce plastic. 

 

Filament – The smallest unit of a fibrous material that is formed by spinning or drawing it into a single, long, continuous entity.

 

Filament Wound Tubing – Tubing that consists of finely spun fibers in a uniform structure. 

 

Filler – An inorganic addition, especially particulate additives, to the composite matrix in order to improve the performance of the product, such as in shrinkage control, surface smoothness and water resistance. 

 

Glass – Any of a large class of materials with varying optical and mechanical properties that is generally hard, brittle and translucent or transparent and considered to be a super cooled liquid, as opposed to a solid. Glass fibers, when mixed with various resins, are the main ingredients in a fiberglass product.

 

Glass to Resin Ratio – The amount of glass compared to amount of resin in a fiberglass product. Generally, the higher the concentration of glass, the greater the strength and durability. 

 

Laminate – A thin fiberglass sheet or plate created by compression. Laminates sometimes consist of several thin layers. 

 

Polymer – One of many synthetic and natural compounds of high molecular weight. They are composed of millions of repeating links, each considerably light and simple. 

 

Resin – Any of numerous translucent yellow or brown to clear, semisolid or solid substances of plant origin, such as amber and copal. Resins are used in synthetic plastics, inks, lacquers, adhesives, etc.