Selecting between polyester felt and woven fiberglass reinforcement
CIPP liners use one of two reinforcement systems: polyester felt or woven fiberglass. The choice affects mechanical performance, cost, curing method compatibility, and best-fit applications. This article compares the two reinforcement systems across six dimensions.
| Criterion | Felt CIPP Liner | Fiberglass Liner |
|---|---|---|
| Reinforcement Type | Polyester needle-punched felt | Woven fiberglass roving |
| Tensile Strength | Good | Higher (fiberglass strength) |
| Flexural Modulus | Standard CIPP grade | Higher — > 10,000 MPa |
| Compatible Curing | Steam, hot water, ambient | UV light cure (primary) |
| Cost per m² | Lower | Higher |
| Best Application | Large-diameter drainage, sewers | High-strength, year-round, water supply |
| Installation Method | Inversion (preferred) | Pull-in (preferred) |
| Wall Thickness | Thicker walls typical | Thinner walls possible |
Polyester felt is the cost-effective choice for inversion-installed CIPP in drainage applications. Woven fiberglass delivers superior mechanical performance and is the standard reinforcement for UV-CIPP systems, particularly in water supply rehabilitation where structural integrity and sanitary compliance are both critical.
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