A POWERFUL END TO THE SEASON OF AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY AND SPARE PARTS EXHIBITIONS
July 14, 2025
Composites vs. Steel
July 31, 2025A POWERFUL END TO THE SEASON OF AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY AND SPARE PARTS EXHIBITIONS
July 14, 2025Composites vs. Steel
July 31, 2025
The Advantages of FRP in Refrigerated Truck Bodies
Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) has revolutionized refrigerated transportation. Unlike traditional metals, FRP composite panels use a “sandwich” structure: high-strength FRP surface layers bonded to a rigid polyurethane foam core. This design creates a seamless, non-thermal-bridge barrier that locks cold air in and heat out—critical for perishables like pharmaceuticals, seafood, and fresh produce
Global Applications & Innovations
Lightweight Urban Delivery: Models like Karry Ice River use 50–70mm FRP/XPS panels for agile, energy-efficient last-mile transport.
Heavy-Duty Trailers: Export-grade 11m trailers (e.g., Kole units to Japan) leverage FRP’s strength-to-weight ratio for max payloads.
Smart Food Safety: Sinotruk’s FRP-bodied trucks with antimicrobial inner coatings ensure HACCP compliance for meat/dairy.
FRP Refrigerated Truck Technical Specifications
| Parameter | FRP Performance | Traditional Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.23 W/m²·K (panel) + 0.018 W/m²·K (core) | 50 W/m²·K (steel) |
| Weight | 30–40% lighter | Heavy, increases fuel consumption |
| Corrosion Resistance | Immune to rust/chemicals | Prone to rust, requires coatings |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years (no degradation) | 5–8 years (with maintenance) |
| Temperature Range | Stable from -40°C to +120°C | May warp or condense moisture |
Why FRP Dominates Future Cold Chain Logistics?
As e-commerce groceries and vaccine logistics boom, FRP’s edge grows:
Sustainability: 100% recyclable foam cores + low-emission production.
Customization: Panels fabricated up to 13.5m long × 2.9m wide in any thickness (50–120mm)
Smart Integration: FRP’s smooth surface enables IoT sensors for real-time temperature tracking.
Key Technical Advantages Driving Adoption
Superior Thermal Insulation
FRP panels achieve ultra-low thermal conductivity (K-value: ≤0.3 W/m²·K)—17x better than concrete and 450x better than steel. The polyurethane foam core (0.018–0.028 W/m²·K) combined with FRP’s airtight seal minimizes temperature fluctuations, ensuring consistent conditions down to -20°C35.Lightweight Yet Ultra-Strong
FRP cuts tare weight by 30–40% versus steel or aluminum bodies8. This translates to higher payload capacity (e.g., +1 ton for medium trucks) and reduced fuel costs—critical for profitability in logistics . Despite its lightness, FRP withstands impacts 200–350x better than glass and resists denting or deformation.Zero Corrosion, Zero Rust
FRP is inherently immune to rust and chemical degradation. It withstands salt spray, acidic cleaners, and humid environments—ideal for seafood transport or coastal operations. Surface gel coatings retain color and gloss for over 10 years without fading.Hygienic & Easy Maintenance
Non-porous FRP surfaces prevent bacterial growth and enable FDA/EC-compliant cleaning. Spills wipe away effortlessly, and panels tolerate high-pressure washing without degradation. Damaged sections can be patched seamlessly—unlike metals requiring weld repairs.Cost Efficiency
FRP bodies cost 15–25% less than equivalent stainless steel or aluminum units. Their durability slashes long-term expenses: no repainting, rust treatment, or panel replacement needed.
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