| abstract |
A fiber reinforced polymer material having an improved combination of characteristics. The polymer material generally comprises a fiber reinforced polymer resin containing reinforcing fibers and having a porosity between about 0% to about 95% by volume of the polymer material. The fiber reinforced polymer material may form a panel or substrate material that helps resist impact and/or environmental loading. Typically, such a material includes a fiber reinforced thermoplastic or thermoset support layer that has a skin layer on one or both sides, which are joined to one another to form the substrate or panel material. The exterior skin layer typically includes a polymer resin that may also include a support structure, such as reinforcing fibers. The resulting material is typically lightweight and has a reduced basis weight, particularly as compared to current commercial products, in addition to a low thermal expansion such that it provides improved resistance to delamination, improved dimensional stability and flexibility, and decreased water absorption and retention. |