Mythili Senthil
Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composites have emerged as indispensable materials across countless industries due to their superior mechanical performance, lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, and versatility. This study provides a comprehensive review of GFRPs, covering their composition, manufacturing methods, material properties, recent technological advancements, and key challenges. The composite structure of GFRPs relies on polymer matrices such as epoxy, polyethylene, and vinyl ester resins. These are combined with glass fiber reinforcements in the form of rovings, mats, or woven fabrics. Various manufacturing techniques—including hand lay-up, filament winding, pultrusion, and compression molding—are evaluated based on their cost, complexity, and suitability for specific applications. GFRPs are renowned for their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability. Factors such as fiber orientation, volume fraction, and matrix selection all significantly influence the ultimate performance of the composite. While emerging innovations—such as nanostructured reinforcements, hybrid fiber systems, and advanced processing methods—continue to enhance GFRP capabilities, issues regarding recyclability and fiber-matrix adhesion remain persistent challenges.