FRP	Steel	Aluminum	Wood
CORROSION, ROT AND INSECT RESISTANCE	·Chemical and moisture resistance ·Highly resistant to insects ·Only needs to be painted under UV exposure	·Prone to corrosion and oxidation ·Needs painting or galvanising ·Susceptible to galvanic corrosion	·Susceptible to corrosion ·Susceptible to warping and rotting ·Susceptible to insect attack	·Susceptible to rot and decay ·Susceptible to moisture damage ·Susceptible to insect attack
STRENGTH	·Ultimate Flexural Strength LW: 30 ksi ·Compression Strength LW: 30 ksi	·Yield Strength: 36 ksi	·Flexural Strength: 35 ksi	·Modulus of Rupture: 12 ksi
WEIGHT	·75% lighter than steel ·30% lighter than aluminum	·Could require lifting equipment ·1/2-in. thick plate = 20.4 lbs/sq ft	·Lightweight - about a third of copper or steel	·Specific gravity: 0.48
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY	·Nonconductive ·High dielectric capability	·Conducts electricity ·Grounding potential	·Conducts electricity ·Grounding potential	·Can be conductive when wet
THERMAL PROPERTIES	·Superb insulation, low conductivity ·Expansion: 7 - 8 (in./in./°F) 10^6	·Conducts heat ·Expansion: 6 - 8 (in./in./°F)10^6	·Conducts heat ·Expansion: 13 (in./in./°F) 10^6	·Low conductivity ·Expansion: 1.7 - 2.5 (in./in./°F) 10^6
STIFFNESS	·Up to 3.3x stiffer than timber ·No permanent deformation under load	·Modulus of elasticity: 29 x 10^6 psi	·Modulus of elasticity: 10 x 10^6 psi	·Modulus of elasticity: up to 1.6-1.8 x 10^6 psi*
IMPACT RESISTANCE	·No permanent deformation under impact ·Distributes impact load for surface protection, even in subzero temperatures	·Can permanently deform under impact	·Easily deforms under impact	·Can permanently deform or break under impact
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT	·Not hazardous to the environment	·Not hazardous	·Not hazardous	·May require hazardous treatments, contributing to forest depletion
COLOR	Color molded; no painting needed Wide variety of colors available	Requires painting for color, may need repainting	Requires coatings and finishes for colors	Needs priming, painting, and may require repainting
COST	·Lower lifecycle cost with reduced installation and maintenance ·Longer product life	·Lower initial material cost	·Part price comparable to FRP	·Lower initial cost but higher maintenance and replacement expenses
EMI/RFI TRANSPARENCY	·Transparent to radio waves and EMI/RFI transmissions Ideal for radar and antenna enclosures	·Can interfere with EMI/RFI transmissions	·Highly reflective to EMI/RFI transmissions	·Transparent
FABRICATION	·Simple field-fabrication with carpenter’s tools ·No torches or welding needed	·Often requires welding and cutting torches ·Requires special equipment for installation	·Good machinability, but welding required	·Field-fabrication possible with simple tools