Ever wish you could take the best qualities from different materials and combine them into something with superior mechanical properties? That’s exactly what composite materials are. 

Take fiber-reinforced polymeric composites in pipelines, for example. These materials are replacing metal pipes in industries where corrosion, weight, and durability matter. They don’t rust, they last longer, and they can handle extreme conditions without breaking down.

What Is a Composite Material?

A composite material is a combination of two or more materials that, when put together, create something stronger, more durable, or more resistant than either could be alone.

Nature has been making composites long before humans figured it out.

• Wood – A natural composite made of cellulose fibers (for strength) embedded in a lignin matrix (for flexibility).
• Bone – A combination of collagen fibers (for flexibility) and hydroxyapatite (for strength).
• Shells – Made of calcium carbonate crystals inside a protein matrix, making them hard yet slightly flexible.

Humans have taken this concept and engineered synthetic composites for industrial applications.

Common Composite Materials Today

• Fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) – Used in piping, storage tanks, and industrial structures.
• Reinforced concrete – Steel and concrete combined for stronger bridges and buildings.
• Ceramic matrix composites – Designed to withstand high temperatures in aerospace and manufacturing.
• Metal matrix composites – A fusion of metals and reinforcing fibers for added strength.

How Are Composite Materials Made?

Every composite has (at least) two constituent materials:

1. The Matrix Material – This is the glue that holds everything together. In polymer matrix composites, a plastic resin binds and protects the reinforcing fibers.
2. The Reinforcing Material – This is what gives the composite its strength. It can be glass fibers, carbon fibers, or metal fibers, depending on the application.

How Do You Manufacture Composites?

Different applications call for different manufacturing methods, but here are some of the most common:

• Filament Winding – Think of wrapping thread around a spool, but on an industrial scale. Glass or carbon fibers are wound around a mold and coated in resin, creating a rigid yet lightweight structure.
• Pultrusion – Fibers are pulled through a polymer matrix and shaped into pipes, beams, and structural components.
• Molding & Layering – Sheets of reinforcing fibers and resin are stacked, shaped, and compressed to create custom high-performance components.

Why Are More Industries Switching to Composites?

Because they perform better. In piping assemblies, chemical storage tanks, and industrial equipment, composite materials outlast and outperform traditional materials.

Here’s why:

• They don’t rust or corrode – Unlike metal, composites won’t break down in harsh environments.
• They’re strong but lightweight – A higher strength-to-weight ratio makes them easier to transport and install.
• They can be customized for any job – The chemical and physical properties can be fine-tuned for specific industries.
• They last longer – Composite materials outlive traditional alternatives, cutting down on maintenance and replacement costs.

Why Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Is the Best Choice

Not all composites are the same, and when it comes to industrial piping, storage tanks, and corrosion-resistant infrastructure, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) is one of the best solutions available.

FRP is:

• Stronger than traditional materials while being lighter and easier to install.
• Highly resistant to corrosion, making it perfect for chemical and water treatment industries.
• Long-lasting, reducing maintenance and replacement costs over time.

But choosing the right FRP solution isn’t just about picking the material—it’s about how it’s designed, manufactured, and installed. That’s where expertise comes in.

At Troy Dualam Services, we specialize in FRP manufacturing, installation, and repair for piping systems, chemical storage tanks, and industrial components. Whether you need a brand-new FRP system or expert repairs to extend the life of your existing equipment, we make sure you get a reliable, long-lasting solution.

Want to see FRP in action? Check out our work or learn more about our services today.