Scientists create bomb-resistant industrial tape

Light-activated polymer wrap may reduce labour and material costs and help restore historical buildings

Spotted: Singapore-based scientists have created industrial tape strong enough to withstand earthquakes and bomb blasts. The Fast Wrapping Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FasRaP) has the potential to halve labour and material costs. FasRaP could be particularly useful in historical preservation projects, as it may help older buildings meet new structural standards.

When used in construction repairs, fibre reinforced polymer sheets typically require teams to apply resin to the damaged surface first. FasRaP sheets, on the other hand, arrive pre-rolled with the resin applied in production. When exposed to light, the FasRaP resin hardens. In tests, a FasRaP covered pillar withstood 80 percent more force than an unwrapped column.

A three-way partnership developed FasRaP. Researchers from Nanyang Technological University worked closely with engineers from the government’s JTC planning and development agency and blast specialists from Prostruct Consulting Pte Ltd. JTC is also identifying infrastructure projects appropriate for the (literal) roll-out of FasRaP.