What material is utilized to produce glass reinforced plastic?

Glass reinforced plastic, often known as fiberglass, is made using glass fibers as the key component. These glass fibers provide strength, durability, and rigidity to the composite material while maintaining a relatively low weight. The process involves embedding these fibers within a plastic matrix, typically a thermoset resin, which cures and hardens the mixture, creating a robust and versatile material.

In comparison to the other materials listed, glass fibers are specifically chosen for their excellent reinforcing properties and high resistance to environmental factors. Steel fibers, while strong, introduce different properties not characteristic of fiberglass composites. Cotton strands could provide some level of reinforcement, but they lack the strength and durability of glass fibers. Wood shavings, on the other hand, are used in different applications, primarily for bio-composites or boards, rather than enhancing the performance of plastics at the level provided by glass fibers.