Explanation: The assertion is incorrect; while fiberglass utilizes glass fibers, the matrix is typically a thermoset polymer, not exclusively thermoplastic. The composition involves glass fibers embedded in a polymer matrix.

Explanation: The provided source material explicitly states that Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) is recognized as an alternative nomenclature for fiberglass.

Explanation: The primary role of the plastic matrix in fiberglass is to hold the glass fibers in place, prevent buckling, and transfer loads, rather than merely providing color.

Explanation: Fiberglass is fundamentally a composite material consisting of glass fibers embedded within a polymer matrix.

Explanation: While GRP, GFRP, and FRP are recognized alternative names, 'Glass-fiber composite material (GFCM)' is not explicitly listed as an alternative nomenclature in the provided text.

Explanation: The plastic matrix serves the critical function of binding the glass fibers together, maintaining their orientation, and preventing them from buckling under load.

Explanation: The earliest known patent for glass fibers was granted in the 19th century, specifically in 1880 to Hermann Hammesfahr.

Explanation: Games Slayter's discovery in 1932 involved directing a jet of compressed air at a stream of molten glass, which resulted in the formation of fine fibers, leading to mass production methods.

Explanation: Following Games Slayter's innovations, Owens Corning adapted the glass wool production method to develop and produce their patented 'Fiberglas' starting in 1936.

Explanation: The initial 'Fiberglas' product, developed as glass wool, was primarily valued for its insulating properties due to trapped gas, not its structural strength.

Explanation: The development of a suitable resin by DuPont in 1936 was a critical advancement, enabling the transformation of fiberglass from an insulating material into a structural composite.

Explanation: While Ray Greene produced the first composite boat in 1937, it did not achieve commercial success at that time due to issues with the brittleness of the plastic matrix used.

Explanation: The 1950s marked the emergence of significant civilian applications for fiberglass, particularly within the marine sector for boat construction and the automotive industry for vehicle components.

Explanation: Hermann Hammesfahr, a Prussian inventor, was granted the earliest known patent for glass fibers in the United States in 1880.

Explanation: Games Slayter's serendipitous discovery involved directing a jet of compressed air at a stream of molten glass, producing fine fibers suitable for mass production.

Explanation: The original 'Fiberglas' product, developed as glass wool, was primarily intended and valued for its excellent insulating capabilities derived from trapped gas.

Explanation: The development of a suitable resin by DuPont in 1936 was pivotal, enabling the combination of glass fibers with plastic to create strong, structural composite materials.

Explanation: Ray Greene's 1937 composite boat project encountered difficulties primarily due to the brittleness of the plastic matrix employed at that time.

Explanation: The 1950s witnessed the initial widespread civilian adoption of fiberglass in the marine industry for boat hulls and in the automotive sector for vehicle bodies.

Explanation: Silica sand is, in fact, a primary raw material commonly used in the melting furnaces for the production of glass fibers.

Explanation: 'Bushings' in fiberglass manufacturing are not used for melting raw materials; rather, they function as spinnerets, extruding molten glass through fine orifices to form filaments.

Explanation: Sizing, a chemical coating applied during formation, serves to protect the delicate glass filaments and crucially ensures their adhesion to the plastic matrix, facilitating effective load transfer.

Explanation: Rovings are indeed formed by consolidating numerous individual glass filaments into larger strands, which are then used in various composite manufacturing processes.

Explanation: Chopped strand mat (CSM) is characterized by short, randomly oriented strands of glass fiber, not long, continuous ones.

Explanation: Surface defects on glass fibers act as stress concentrators, thereby reducing their tensile strength; defect-free surfaces are critical for achieving high strength.

Explanation: The high aspect ratio (long and narrow shape) of glass fibers renders them susceptible to buckling under compressive loads, making them appear weak in compression despite their axial strength.

Explanation: Many fiberglass resins, such as polyester and epoxy, characteristically contract, rather than expand, during the curing process.

Explanation: E-glass, an alumino-borosilicate glass, is the most widely utilized type of glass fiber in fiberglass production due to its favorable balance of properties and cost-effectiveness.

Explanation: A notable limitation of E-glass is its susceptibility to chloride ion attack, which can be problematic in marine environments, despite its widespread use.

Explanation: S-glass, an alumino silicate glass, is specifically selected for applications demanding superior mechanical performance, characterized by high tensile strength and modulus (stiffness).

Explanation: C-glass and T-glass are primarily recognized for their excellent resistance to chemical attack, rather than high tensile strength.

Explanation: Filament winding involves winding resin-impregnated fibers onto a rotating mandrel to form hollow structures, distinct from processes that pull material through a die to create profiles.

Explanation: In filament winding, a high wind angle primarily contributes to hoop strength (circumferential resistance), while lower angles are more effective for enhancing longitudinal tensile strength.

Explanation: A release agent is applied to the mold surface in hand lay-up to facilitate the easy removal of the cured part, not to saturate the fiberglass with resin.

Explanation: The spray lay-up process utilizes a specialized gun that simultaneously chops glass fibers and applies them along with resin onto the mold surface, enabling efficient coverage.

Explanation: Pultrusion involves pulling resin-impregnated fibers through a die to form continuous profiles, whereas extrusion involves pushing material through a die.

Explanation: Limestone is among the common raw materials, alongside silica sand and other minerals, heated in furnaces for the production of glass fibers.

Explanation: Sizing serves a dual purpose: it protects the delicate glass filaments during handling and processing, and it promotes strong adhesion between the filaments and the resin matrix.

Explanation: The density or 'weight' of rovings is quantified by systems such as 'yield' (yards per pound) or 'tex' (grams per kilometer), indicating the mass per unit length.

Explanation: Chopped Strand Mat (CSM) is a reinforcement material consisting of short, randomly oriented glass fiber strands bound together. It is frequently used in hand lay-up processes due to its conformability to complex shapes.

Explanation: Surface defects on glass fibers act as points where stress concentrates, thereby limiting the fiber's overall tensile strength. Near-perfect surfaces are essential for maximizing this strength.

Explanation: Glass fibers possess a high aspect ratio, meaning they are long and thin. This geometry makes them prone to buckling under compressive loads, leading to an apparent weakness in compression.

Explanation: A common characteristic of many thermosetting resins used in fiberglass, such as polyester and epoxy, is contraction as they cure, leading to internal stresses.

Explanation: E-glass is the most prevalent type of glass fiber in fiberglass manufacturing, offering a desirable combination of performance characteristics and economic viability.

Explanation: E-glass exhibits a vulnerability to chloride ion attack, which can be a significant limitation in marine applications where prolonged exposure to saltwater occurs.

Explanation: S-glass is distinguished by its exceptionally high tensile strength and high modulus, making it suitable for applications demanding maximum mechanical performance.

Explanation: C-glass and T-glass are primarily recognized for their superior resistance to chemical degradation, making them suitable for applications where chemical inertness is paramount.

Explanation: Pultrusion is a manufacturing process where resin-impregnated fibers are continuously pulled through a shaped die to form constant cross-section profiles.

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, fiberglass is typically less expensive and more flexible when compared to carbon fiber, making it a more accessible material for many applications.

Explanation: Fiberglass exhibits transparency to electromagnetic radiation, a property that distinguishes it from many metals and makes it advantageous for applications such as radomes and antenna shrouds.

Explanation: Fiberglass is highly suitable for manufacturing boat hulls precisely because of its excellent moldability, allowing for complex shapes and efficient production.

Explanation: The combination of fiberglass with resin replaced the insulating trapped gas with plastic, thereby reducing its insulating properties while significantly enhancing its strength and structural capabilities.

Explanation: The orientation of glass fibers is a critical factor that precisely controls the composite's stiffness and strength, allowing for tailored material properties.

Explanation: Above approximately 180°C, the resin component of fiberglass composites is susceptible to thermal degradation, which can compromise the structural integrity of the material.

Explanation: A laminate composed of 70% E-glass continuous rovings exhibits significantly higher tensile strength compared to unreinforced polyester resin, demonstrating the substantial reinforcing effect of the glass fibers.

Explanation: Fiberglass was utilized for aircraft radomes during WWII precisely because it is transparent to microwaves, allowing radar signals to pass through unimpeded.

Explanation: Fiberglass is employed for shrouding antennas due to its radio frequency (RF) permeability and low signal attenuation, meaning it minimally interferes with radio waves.

Explanation: Due to its favorable strength-to-weight ratio, fiberglass is frequently incorporated into protective equipment such as helmets and specialized masks for sports like hockey and baseball.

Explanation: Fiberglass storage tanks can be manufactured to accommodate significantly larger volumes, often exceeding 30 tonnes, with capacities reaching up to approximately 300 tonnes.

Explanation: While fiberglass tanks are used for chemical storage, their suitability stems primarily from the chemical resistance of the plastic liner (e.g., polypropylene), not solely the inertness of the glass fibers themselves.

Explanation: Glass-reinforced plastics (GRP) find application in residential construction for elements such as roofing laminates, chimneys, window frames, and decorative architectural features.

Explanation: Fiberglass offers installation advantages over wood or metal primarily due to its lower weight and ease of handling, which can simplify and expedite construction processes.

Explanation: In oil and gas operations, fiberglass rods are employed in rod pumping systems owing to their superior tensile strength-to-weight ratio and significant elastic stretch, which enhances operational efficiency.

Explanation: A critical limitation of fiberglass rods in oil and gas applications is their inability to withstand substantial compressive forces; they must be maintained under tension to prevent failure.

Explanation: Pipes manufactured from Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) and Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) are well-suited for demanding applications including desalination plants and firewater systems, owing to their durability and resistance properties.

Explanation: Fiberglass typically presents a more economical and flexible alternative when contrasted with carbon fiber.

Explanation: Fiberglass's transparency to electromagnetic radiation is a key advantage over many metals, enabling its use in radar and communication systems.

Explanation: Fiberglass is utilized in various structural applications, including components within aircraft, due to its strength-to-weight ratio and moldability.

Explanation: The directional stiffness and strength of fiberglass composites are precisely controlled by orienting the glass fibers within the plastic matrix, often through layering.

Explanation: The resin matrix in fiberglass composites is susceptible to thermal degradation, typically beginning to lose structural integrity at temperatures exceeding approximately 180°C.

Explanation: A laminate reinforced with 70% E-glass continuous rovings exhibits a substantially higher tensile strength (e.g., 800 MPa) compared to unreinforced polyester resin (e.g., 55 MPa).

Explanation: Fiberglass was selected for aircraft radomes during World War II due to its critical property of being transparent to microwaves, which is essential for radar system functionality.

Explanation: Fiberglass's radio frequency (RF) permeability, meaning it allows radio waves to pass through with minimal interference, makes it ideal for antenna shrouds.

Explanation: Fiberglass rods are advantageous in oil and gas rod pumping due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and greater elastic stretch compared to steel, enhancing lifting efficiency.

Explanation: A significant limitation of fiberglass rods is their poor performance under compression; they must be kept under tension to avoid failure.

Explanation: Workplace exposure to fiberglass commonly occurs through inhalation of airborne fibers, alongside direct skin and eye contact during fabrication, installation, or removal processes.

Explanation: Styrene vapors released during fiberglass resin curing are known irritants to both the eyes and the respiratory tract.

Explanation: Skin contact with fiberglass fibers typically results in irritation and itching, not numbness.

Explanation: Studies involving animal models have indicated that exposure to fiberglass fibers can induce adverse pulmonary effects, including inflammation and fibrosis.

Explanation: By 2001, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified commonly used insulation glass wools as 'not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans' (Group 3).

Explanation: Reflecting updated scientific assessments, cancer warning labels are generally no longer required for biosoluble fiber glass insulation in the US under federal law.

Explanation: NIOSH generally recommends stricter exposure limits for fiberglass dust than OSHA's PEL, advocating for lower concentrations to ensure worker safety.

Explanation: Conversely, longer, thinner, and more durable (biopersistent) fibers are generally considered more potent in inducing toxic and genetic effects.

Explanation: The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by fiberglass fibers is a primary mechanism through which they can induce cellular damage, including DNA damage and chromosomal abnormalities.

Explanation: Styrene vapors emitted during the curing of fiberglass resins can cause irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membranes.

Explanation: By 2001, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified commonly used insulation glass wools as 'not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans' (Group 3), indicating insufficient evidence for human carcinogenicity.

Explanation: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for total fiberglass dust at 15 mg/m³ over an 8-hour workday.

Explanation: The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by fiberglass fibers is a primary mechanism through which they can induce cellular damage, including DNA damage and chromosomal abnormalities.