The properties of FRP composites are measured the same way that traditional materials are measured so that comparisons can be made for evaluation.
Typical measurements include:
Compressive Strength -Describes how much of a load a material can take before it is crushed or fractured.
Flexural Modulus - A number associated with the flexibility or stiffness of a material. It indicates how far a material will bend when a certain load is applied to it. The lower the modulus, the more flexible the material.
Flexural Strength– Measures how much of a load a material can take before it fractures or breaks when it is in the process of being bent.
Impact Strength – There are two primary impact tests; one is called IZOD impact and the other is called Gardner impact. IZOD impact measures the energy required to fracture or break a material when it is struck on its edge. Gardner impact measures the energy required to damage or puncture a material when it is struck on its front surface.
Rockwell or Barcol Hardness - Measures the surface hardness of a material. The higher the hardness value, the more resistant a material is to scratching, abrasion, and denting.
Tensile Modulus - A number associated with pulling or stretching a material (tension) and how much it elongates when a certain load is applied to it. The lower the modulus, the more the material will elongate or stretch.
Tensile Strength– Measures how much of a load a material can take before it fractures or breaks when it is in the process of being stretched