Resources & Associations for FRP Facilities

MnTAP and other organization have compiled numerous publications regarding reducing waste, scrap, and emissions in fiber reinforced plastics facilities. These resources, as well as some associations, are included on this page.

Resources

MnTAP provides the following resources to help FRP shops understand what changes can positively impact emissions levels and scrap rates.

Reducing Emissions

• ACMA Research: The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) Styrene Emissions Test Project. This comprehensive body of information on emissions from open molding includes technical support guides and information on emissions factors.
• ACMA Handbook: Controlled Spraying Handbook: Composites Open Molding Resin & Gel Coat Application [PDF 1.95MB]. This resource provides training guidelines for spray operators in open molding companies where styrene-based resin and gel coat materials are used.
• MnTAP Case Study: Controlled Spraying and Laser Touch in the Fiber Reinforced Plastics Industry (2007). Controlled spraying significantly reduces styrene emissions from open mold fiber reinforced application processes.
• MnTAP Fact Sheet: Reducing Volatile Emissions in the Fiber Reinforced Plastics Industry (2009). This fact sheet discusses opportunities for reducing emissions from FRP shops.
• MnTAP Case Study: Fiberglas Fabricators Upgrades Open Mold Processing Equipment (2007). This FRP shop adopted nonatomized equipment to replace spray equipment in open mold process and added raw material monitoring equipment to reduce styrene emissions by 50,400 pounds annually.
• MnTAP Case Study: Fiber Reinforced Plastics Shop Complies with New Air Permit Regulations (2007) Sunrise Fiberglass Company replaced spray equipment with nonatomized equipment in open mold process to reduce styrene emissions by 43 percent.
• MnTAP Case Study: Phoenix Industries (2007) The facility converted 60% of its molded part production to closed molding and reduced 80,000 pounds of styrene emissions over two years.

Scrap Recycling

• MnTAP Intern Summary: Source Reduction and Recycling Opportunities for a Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics Shop (1995). Astoria Industries uses an open-mold, spray lay-up process, which involves applying a fiberglass and catalyzed polyester resin mixture onto open molds.
• MnTAP Research Project: Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Recycling (2004). This report provides details on the current state of FRP recycling [PDF 43KB].

General Pollution Prevention Resources

• P2 Resource Center: Fiberglass
• Washington State Dept of Ecology: Fiberglass
• GLRPPR: Fiberglass Manufacturing

Associations

• American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) This association provides education and information for the composites industry, works on regulatory and legislative issues and promotes markets for composite products.
• Composite Materials Technology Center (COMTEC) The Composite Materials Engineering (CME) Program at Winona State University operates the Composite Materials Technology Center (COMTEC) to foster interaction with industry and enhance engineering education.
• Iowa Waste Reduction Center Programs – Spray Technique Analysis and Research (STAR) The STAR program is a unique approach which teaches spray technicians and instructors how to optimize the efficiency of an entire spray system. The Virtual Paint tool is featured in the training program.
• Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) An international professional member society, provides information on new materials and processing technology either via technical forums, journal publications, or books in which professionals in this field can exchange ideas and air their views.