Carbon fiber reinforced polymer as epoxy, but other thermoset or thermoplastic polymers, such as polyester, vinyl ester, or nylon, are sometimes used. The composite material may contain aramid (e.g. Kevlar, Twaron), ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), aluminium, or glass fibers in addition to carbon fibers. The properties of the final CFRP product can also be affected by the type of additives introduced to the binding matrix (resin). The most common additive is silica, but other additives such as rubber and carbon nanotubes can be used. The material is also referred to as "graphite-reinforced polymer" or "graphite fiber-reinforced polymer" ("GFRP" is less common, as it clashes with
Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research The Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research in Dresden () – in short IPF Dresden – is a non-university research institute and a member of the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Scientific Community. The IPF is carrying out fundamental as well as application-oriented research in all areas of polymer science and investigates polymer materials with new or improved characteristics. In the material development, emphasis is given to nanotechnological aspects as well as to biosystem interfaces. The IPF’s research program is jointly set up and implemented by scientists of the different IPF institutes. It comprises the following four research