Pultrusion is a continuous production method for thermoset profiles, reinforced with fibreglass.
The word pultrusion derives from the English terms PULL and EXTRUSION.
Indeed, the pultrusion is an extrusion which results pulling the fibres impregnated in resin
The pultrusion is generally carried out with the reinforce of glass fibres and /or carbon and a resin based matrix which can be polyester, vinylester, epoxy acrylic and phenolic resin depending on the chemical and flame resistence required by the final product. The process of pultrusion is almost totally automatic although the preparation phase may require several hours of setting up, due to the complexity of the arrangement of glass fibres.
Characteristic
- Lightness (specific weight 1.75)
- Electrically and thermally insulating
- Excellent chemical resistance (does not oxidise and is highly resistant to acids)
- Elastic Module 25.000 Mpa
- Coloured in bulk at production stage
- Elevated resistance to UV rays and to colpur fading
- High traction resistance
- Easy to work
- Does not produce sparks at the grinding stage
- Rapid assembly with special accessories
Comparison table
| NIKRON | Steel | Alluminium | Wood | |
| corrosion resistence | HIGH | low | medium | low |
| strenght | HIGH | high | high | low |
| wight | LOW | high | low | medium |
| electrical conductability | LOW | high | high | medium |
| thermal conductability | VERY LOW | high | high | low |
| emi/rfi trasparent | YES | no | no | yes |
| easy to work | EASY | easy | medium | easy |
| maintenance costs | LOW | medium | medium | high |
| environmental impact | LOW | high | high | low |
Characteristics
CORROSION RESISTENCE
The structural pultruded NIKRON profiles are resistant to corrosion and to a vast range of chemical substances. In many structural applications where wood would be subject to rot and metal to rust, the pultruded NIKRON products can last indefinitely, with little or no maintenance. They can be used in the different environments with water (seawater or fresh water) like water parks or purification plants and in the coastal regions. They are also used in areas where corrosive chemical solutions and fumes are present such as chemical and coal preparation plants. The pultruded NIKRON materials are on lasting and require little maintenance.
STRENGTH
The structural pultruded NIKRON profiles have a hight ratio of resistence-weight and, kilo for kilo are stronger than steel along their length. The pultruded NIKRON products in fibreglass do not permanently lose shape when subjected to blows, there is no surface damage, even at sub zero temperatures, and they do not dilate when temperatures rise.
WEIGHT
The pultruded NIKRON profiles are very lightweight. Indeed, compared with other profiles of the same volume, the profiles will weigh 25% of the weight of the steel and 77% of alluminium. This function can impact significantly on the cost of installation reducing the risks of lesions to the foundations or support structures.
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTABILITY
The NIKRON profiles are insulating materials and this gives safety benefits in many applications.
THERMAL CONDUCTABILITY
The pultruded NIKRON products have very low thermal conductive properties and in high temperatures do not expand and they do not contract like metals. This means a high degree of thermal insulation and can also be considered a safety factor.
EMI/ RFI TRANSPARENT
Pultruded NIKRON materials are transparent to radar and radio waves.
EASY TO WORK
The pultruded NIKRON materials are easly worked using traditional carpentry tools with carbon or diamond blades. The fibreglass materials are lightweight and consequently, easy to mount and install.
MAINTENANCE COSTS
The pultruded NIKRON materials have a life expectancy longer than other materials and they don’t require a big maintenance. No further painting is necessary due to the direct addition of pigments into the resin.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Compared to other materials, producing of pultruded NIKRON composites means fewer emissions into the air or water, uses less energy and produces lower emission of green house gases. This means that pultruded NIKRON materials have a reduced environmental impact and low anadride carbon emission. Moreover, as the materials do not corrode or deteriorate, they are totally recyclable. The production generally has a lower environmental impact than recycling other materials such as steel or alluminium.
