The Differences Between Plastic and Fiberglass

Both plastic and fiberglass have various beneficial properties, however, it may be difficult to know exactly which material is the best fit for your application. Let’s explore the different properties of these materials, their applications, and how to know which is best for your application.

Plastic Properties

There are many plastics on the market, and they serve nearly every industry. Each plastic has its own unique properties, making some better for use in one industry over another.

Some common plastics we work with include:

Polyethylene

Polyethylene is a flexible, waterproof plastic that is easy to process. It also is resistant to chemicals, offers electrical insulation, and is biocompatible. However, polyethylene can be flammable, has a lower mechanical strength, and may melt at higher temperatures.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene offers chemical and corrosion resistance while also being easy to process. Additionally, this plastic provides good electrical resistance, is impermeable to water, has a high tensile strength, is lightweight, and is biocompatible. However, polypropylene has a low resistance to UV, a low melting point, and can be flammable.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC is a very durable plastic that is resistant to chemicals and fire, cost-effective, and impermeable to liquids. While it offers many benefits, this plastic also exhibits poor heat stability and can break or splinter under physical stress.

Polystyrene (PS)

PS provides good insulation while being lightweight, durable, and cost effective. This polymer is also resistant to chemicals, bacterial growth, and water. It does, however, pose health hazards and can be brittle.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS exhibits both chemical and thermal stability while also resisting chemical corrosion. It is strong and resistant to physical impacts. ABS also has a low melting point and is not resistant to UV.

Polyamide

Polyamide is resistant to abrasion, corrosion, fire, and UV. This polymer is also strong and flexible. However, polyamide is costly and can absorb moisture.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is resistant to impact, heat, and UV while also exhibiting good electrical insulation. However, this polymer is sensitive to certain chemicals and is flammable.

Fiberglass Properties

Much like plastics, fiberglass also has many beneficial properties. This material has good mechanical strength, and can even outperform steel. It is also a good electrical insulator, has low thermal conductivity, and is naturally incombustible. Fiberglass exhibits good dimensional stability, is compatible with synthetic resins and materials like cement, and is non-rotting.

However, fiberglass also has some drawbacks, like each of the plastics above. This material is brittle. It is also susceptible to UV degradation and may pose health risks.

Plastic Applications

Plastics can be used in nearly any industry for a wide range of applications. Some of the industries we serve rely on plastics for many of their products.

• Medical: Plastics are used to create patches, PPE, packaging films, containers, lids, tubing, syringes, vials, Petri dishes, pill containers, devices, and surgical instruments.
• Construction: Hoses, water, gas, sewer pipes, siding window frames, decking, fencing, flooring, insulation panels, roofing, and fittings for drains are all created using plastics.

• Lighting: Wire and cable insulation and jacketing, electrical casings, and LED light coverings are made with plastic.

• Appliances: Many parts of appliances are plastic, including water tubing and pipes, electrical insulation, jacketing, and appearance parts.

• Renewable Energy: Plastics are used to manufacture casings and housings for electrical applications and cables.

• Gardening: Shovels, rakes, hoes, claws, and hand gardening tools are often created using plastics.

Fiberglass Applications

Fiberglass also has many applications, including:

• Wind energy: Windmill blades are often crafted from fiberglass.
• Electrical: Fiberglass is used to create housings and insulation components.
• Construction: Composite walls, window screens, and door panels can be created from fiberglass.

While this is not an exhaustive list, it gives a good overview of a few of the different industries and applications fiberglass can be found.

Deciding Between Plastic and Fiberglass? If You Choose Plastic, Reach Out to Custom Profile

Since 1992, Custom Profile has been extruding plastic products in a wide range of industries. If you are looking for durable, affordable products that can meet all of your specifications, contact our team today.