(a) Cite several reasons why fiberglassreinforced composites are utilized extensively. (b) Cite several limitations of this type of composite.

Fiberglass-reinforced composites (FRCs) are materials made from a combination of glass fibers and a polymer matrix. The glass fibers provide strength and stiffness, while the polymer matrix offers flexibility and resilience. Some reasons why fiberglass-reinforced composites are extensively used include: 1. High strength-to-weight ratio: FRCs are lightweight yet strong, making them suitable for applications where weight reduction is essential, such as automotive and aerospace industries. 2. Good corrosion resistance: The glass fibers and polymer matrix in FRCs do not corrode easily, which makes them suitable for use in corrosive environments, such as pipes and storage tanks. 3. Resistance to wear and impact: The combination of glass fibers and polymer matrix in FRCs provides resistance to wear and impact, which makes them ideal for applications where durability and impact resistance are important, such as boat hulls and sports equipment. 4. Versatility in design and manufacturing: FRCs can be easily molded and shaped into a variety of complex forms, which provides flexibility in product design and manufacturing. Moreover, the properties of FRCs can be tailored by changing the fiber and matrix materials or adjusting the fiber orientation. 5. Thermal and electrical insulation: FRCs offer good thermal insulation and electrical insulation properties, making them suitable for use in electrical and thermal insulation applications.

Along with the advantages, fiberglass-reinforced composites also have some limitations: 1. Brittle behavior: The glass fibers in FRCs can be prone to brittle failure, which may limit their use in applications requiring high impact resistance or ductility. 2. Limited high-temperature performance: The polymer matrix in FRCs may degrade at high temperatures, limiting their use in high-temperature applications. 3. Sensitivity to moisture: The polymer matrix in FRCs can absorb moisture, which may affect their properties, such as strength and stiffness, over time. To overcome this limitation, proper surface treatments may be required before using FRCs in moisture-sensitive applications. 4. Anisotropic properties: The properties of FRCs are dependent on the direction of the fibers. This anisotropy can be a limitation in some applications where isotropic properties are desired. 5. Cost of raw materials and production: The production of FRCs typically involves high-quality fibers, resins, and the use of specialized equipment, which can result in higher production costs compared to some other materials.