Form · 0.5–2 mm
Fibre-Reinforced — indicative fig. C·17
Fire Group 2-3 Group 2-3Embodied carbon Data pending Per-m² sourceCompressive 350-420MPa StructuralDesign life 50yr
AFRP composites based on Kevlar 49: density ~1.44 g/cm?; yarn tensile strength ~3,000 MPa and modulus ~112 GPa; resin-impregnated strands ~3,600 MPa and 124 GPa. Composite properties vary with layup.
01 Physical
Density 1.44 g/cm? (Kevlar 49 yarn density)kg/m³
Specific gravity 1.44
Porosity 0.5-2.0%
Water absorption 3.5-7.0%
Hardness 75-85
UV resistance Poor (requires protection)
Chemical resistance Excellent (organic solvents, oils, salts)
pH tolerance 4-10
Surface roughness 5-25µm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 3,000 MPa (Kevlar 49 yarn); 3,600 MPa (resin-impregnated strand)MPa
Compressive strength 350-420MPa
Flexural strength 1200-1450MPa
Shear strength 45-65MPa
Poisson's ratio 0.35-0.36
Impact resistance 35-120
Creep resistance Excellent (<0.5% strain at 50% UTS, 1000hr)
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 0.031-0.047W/m·K
Specific heat 1420J/kg·K
Thermal expansion -2.2 to -4.9×10⁻⁶/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Group 2-3
Fire resistance level Variable (requires AS 1530.4 testing)
Ignition temp 400-450°C
Flame spread index 25-45
Smoke dev. index 3-5
Heat release rate 50-150
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon 22-36
Carbon footprint 15-25
Embodied energy 200-300MJ/kg
Water footprint 180-250L/kg
Recyclability 20-50%
Recycled content 0-15%
Renewable content 0%
Circular score 3/10
VOC emissions Low (<50 g/L during installation)
Toxicity rating Low (proper PPE required)
LEED contribution MR: 1-2, EQ: 1
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 50-75
Maintenance interval 5-10
Warranty period 10-25
Material cost (range) 45-375
Material cost (per unit) 32-78
Lead time 6-20
Lifecycle cost 1850-2950
Annual maintenance 2-5
Market availability Moderate (specialist suppliers)
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Exceptional tensile strength (1720 MPa)
- Superior impact resistance vs other FRPs
- Complete corrosion immunity
- Non-conductive/electrical insulation
- 75+ year service life
- 5x stronger than steel by weight
- Excellent fatigue resistance
- Negative thermal expansion coefficient
- High chemical resistance
- Vibration damping properties
- Non-magnetic characteristics
- Termite resistance certification
- Low maintenance requirements
- Cyclone-rated performance
- Fire resistance with char formation
Constraints
- High UV sensitivity without protection
- Low compressive strength (15-20% of tensile)
- Premium cost ($45-375/m²)
- Difficult to recycle (20-50% recovery)
- Moisture absorption (3.5-7%)
- Limited Australian manufacturing
- Requires specialist installation
- Long lead times (6-20 weeks)
- Anisotropic properties
- Susceptible to strong acids/bases
- Non-biodegradable
- Cannot be incinerated
- Requires surface preparation
- Temperature-sensitive installation
- Limited repair options
08 Applications
A1 Bridge deck strengthening and retrofit
A2 Marine boardwalks and jetty structures
A3 Electrical utility cross-arms and poles
A4 Submarine and naval vessel components
A5 Wind turbine blade reinforcement
A6 Mining conveyor systems
A7 Blast and impact protection systems
A8 Cable and rope applications
A9 Aerospace structural components
A10 Cyclone-resistant building elements
A11 Seismic retrofit of concrete structures
A12 Chemical processing equipment
A13 Ballistic protection panels
A14 Sports equipment manufacturing
A15 Automotive racing components
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.