FRP panels have clear classifications and performance requirements in the international fire protection standard system and are widely used in many fields such as construction, transportation, and marine engineering.

International fire protection standards and ratings

The fire resistance of FRP panels must meet several international standards. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A.753(18), FRP piping systems are classified into three fire resistance ratings: L1, L2, and L3. L1 requires a fire resistance test of at least one hour, L2 requires 30 minutes, and L3 requires a 30-minute fire resistance test under wet conditions. FRP piping used on offshore platforms typically requires at least IMO A.753(18) L3 rating, and dry fire-fighting piping systems must also pass the OTI 95634 Jet Fire test.

European standard EN45545-2 has strict regulations for fiberglass sandwich panels used in rail transport. When used as wall material in trains and with a surface area exceeding 0.2 square meters, the most stringent R1 standard must be followed. This includes tests for heat release (ISO5660-1), flame spread (ISO5658-2), smoke density (ISO5659-2), and smoke toxicity (EN17084), typically requiring a rating of R1 HL2 or HL3. For flooring, the R10 standard applies, including ISO9239 radiant heat source method for flooring materials, ISO5659-2 smoke density, and EN17084 smoke toxicity tests.

In the United States, ASTM E84 is a standard for testing the surface flammability of building materials, while UL certification focuses on the fire resistance testing of multi-story building exterior walls according to NFPA 285, requiring a flame spread index ≤25 and a peak heat release ≤100kW/m². Chinese standard GB 8624-2012 classifies the flammability of building materials into grades A (non-combustible) to B (combustible).

Application scenarios

In the construction sector, FRP panels account for over 50% of the market share, primarily used in roofing and wall systems for industrial plants, stadiums, and commercial complexes. Their lightweight, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant characteristics make them suitable for large-span structures and corrosive environments. In 2024, the national procurement volume of FRP corrugated panels in the construction sector reached approximately 1.2 million tons, with a market size exceeding 15 billion yuan. Large public building projects, such as airport terminals and exhibition centers, have high requirements for the fire resistance and aesthetics of materials, with high-end products reaching prices exceeding 400 yuan per square meter.

Transportation sector: As the second largest application market, accounting for approximately 20% of usage, it is mainly used for highway noise barriers, railway sound barriers, and subway ventilation ducts. In 2024, the procurement volume in the transportation sector was approximately 450,000 tons, with a market size of approximately 6 billion yuan. Demand from high-speed rail and urban rail transit projects saw significant growth, with an average annual growth rate of 18%. The sound absorption performance and durability of fiberglass materials meet the requirements of transportation facilities, and some products have obtained EU CE certification and are used in international engineering projects.

Marine Engineering: FRP pipes for offshore platforms must meet IMO A.753(18) L3 rating for use in seawater and wet/dry piping systems. By optimizing the curing system and adding a fire-resistant outer layer, the system pipelines can meet IMO A.753(18) Class III fire resistance requirements and higher fire resistance ratings such as impact fire, furnace fire, and jet fire. In South China Sea oil and gas platforms, FRP maintenance access channels have a 400% longer lifespan than steel, and maintenance costs are only 1/8 of those for steel.

In the environmental protection sector, fiberglass accounts for approximately 15% of applications, primarily used for sewage treatment pond covers, exhaust gas treatment equipment shells, and waste transfer station covers. In 2024, the procurement volume in this sector was approximately 350,000 tons, with a market size of about 4 billion yuan. Driven by national environmental protection policies, demand in this sector has maintained rapid growth, with an average annual growth rate exceeding 20%. The chemical corrosion resistance and sealing properties of fiberglass materials are suitable for environmental protection facilities. Large-scale sewage treatment projects typically utilize customized products, with individual project procurement amounts reaching tens of millions of yuan.

In the energy sector, fiberglass accounts for approximately 10% of applications, primarily used in wind turbine nacelles, photovoltaic power generation supports, and the outer protective layer of oil storage tanks. In 2024, the energy sector's procurement volume was approximately 250,000 tons, with a market size of about 3 billion yuan. Demand from new energy projects is growing rapidly, with an average annual growth rate of 25%. The insulation and fatigue resistance properties of fiberglass materials meet the requirements of energy equipment, with offshore wind power projects exhibiting a particularly strong demand for high-performance products.

Other applications include chemical corrosion protection, power facility protection, and cleanrooms in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In the chemical industry, FRP panels are used as tank linings and reactor covers, with a lifespan more than five times that of carbon steel in strong acid and alkali environments. In power facilities, FRP flat plates used for substation cable trench covers achieve a breakdown voltage of 25kV/mm and remain undeformed for 10 years in humid and hot regions. In the food and pharmaceutical industries, FDA-certified food-grade resin FRP panels are used for cleanroom floors, featuring a smooth, non-porous surface and an antibacterial rate >99%.

FRP panels have gained widespread use in the international market due to their excellent properties such as lightweight, high strength, corrosion resistance, insulation, and flame retardancy, and their use is ensured through a strict fire protection certification system.Togloss specializes in manufacturing FRP Panels and can customize to meet your needs. Welcome to cooperate with us.

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