GRP RESTORATION
Modern glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GRP) surfaces fully exposed to the rigours of the weather exhibit very high corrosion resistance. The resin systems now in use comprise fibre-reinforced structural resins, and the unreinforced fine coats (gelcoats and topcoats) too, offer protection against UV radiation, acid rain, osmosis and freeze-thaw cycles over many decades.The advantageous properties of GRP materials have made them popular since the 1960s and 1970s, also in the building industry, in architecture and for the sculptures and street art objects that enliven our towns and cities. However, the synthetic resins used in the early days did not have the optimised chemical properties of the high-performance materials now being used. Furthermore, knowledge was also lacking about the correct choice, processing and application of the resins for exposed GRP surfaces.
Whereas in the meantime defective facade elements and protective covers have generally been completely replaced, in the case of sculptures and artistic objects or historic monuments we are faced with the question of how to restore GRP surfaces adequately.
Hahlbrock has proved that its expertise in fibre-reinforced plastics can be used for the restoration of various objects.
Projectlist
Restoration of the Nana-Sculptures by Niki Saint Phalle- The "Nanas", three sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002) set up in Hannover in the mid-1970s, were restored in a complex process using Hahlbrock fibre-reinforced plastics. more...
Refurbishment of the Brocken radome- During the Cold War between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, both sides installed the most diverse facilities to monitor the opponent's military and secret service radio transmissions, in particular along the boundaries between the two military blocs. more...