For many decades now, glass fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester and vinylester resins (FRP) have been a
familiar and highly appreciated alternative to metal materials. With their chemical-resistant layer and
thermoplastic liner they offer good corrosion resistance and are thus ideal materials for equipment and pipe
work construction. Up to the 1990s, the media usually handled and stored were aqueous liquids, so that
materials with dimensional stability of up to 125°C were adequate. Since then, increasing use has been made
of plastic components, especially in constructing equipment and plant components exposed to high thermal
stresses in chemical process engineering. Consequently, the demand for higher thermal and chemical stability
of the construction materials has increased as well. The product found to meet such demands is a composite
system comprising a load-bearing FRP layer and, firmly bonded to it, a modified polytetrafluoroethylene liner.
This paper outlines the development of this relatively new composite material. It also describes the practical
experience the chemical process engineering industry has gained with this material. Such experience relates in
particular to demanding applications combining both aggressive media and high temperatures.