Basalt woven fiber is an environmentally friendly alternative to fiberglass materials. With excellent tensile strength, excellent resistance to Acid and Alkali, High abrasive resistance and a high melting point. Basalt originates from igneous rock (volcanic, molten lava) and is 100% Recyclable.
Overview
- Basalt is a volcanic rock that has natural fire resistant components. The use of basalt in fibers is a potentially stronger, safer product than traditional glass fibers.
Manufacturing
- No secondary materials (unlike glass fibers)
- More abrasive than fiberglass so it is more difficult to manufacture, however, the abrasive qualities of Basalt make it a superior product.
Basalt vs. Glass Fibers
The main difference is that E-Glass is made from a complex batch of materials, whereas Basalt Fiber is made from melting basalt (volcanic) rock with no other additives need. This makes Basalt-based materials very environmentally friendly and non-hazardous.
Basalt Benefits compared to standard Fiberglass Include:
- 20-25% Higher Tensile Strength
- 10-15% Higher Tensile Modulus
- Higher Melting Point
- Higher Operating Temperature
- Extended Temperature range
- Non-combustible, Fire-Resistant Material
- Superior Abrasion Resistance
- Greater Thermal Conductivity
- Better Chemical Resistance, (4.5% better)
- Low water absorption properties
- Superior adhesion characteristics for coating
- Resistance to electromagnetic radiation
Fire-blocking tests performed by Basaltex placed its basalt fabric in front of a Bunsen burner, placing the yellow tip of the flame in direct contact with the fabric. The yellow tip reaches temperatures of 1100°C to 1200°C (2012°F to 2192°F) and causes the fabric to become red hot, similar to a metal fabric. When exposed to the flame, basalt fiber maintains its physical integrity for extended periods of time, but the company found that a fabric made of E-glass with the same density can be pierced by the flame in a matter of seconds.
| BASALT YARN | E-Glass Yarns | |
| Tensile Strength (MPA) | 2,500 to 3,000 | 1,400 to 2,600 |
| Tensile Modulus | 87 | 72 |
| Elongation (%) | 3.2% | 4.70% |
| Density/Specific Gravity (g/cm2) | 2.75 | 2.60 |
| Dielectric constant (at 1mhz) | 2.2 | 6.4 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m-k) | 1.44 – 1.46 | 1.28-1.32 |
| Decomposition Temperature | 1,562°F | 1,346°F |
| Melting Point | 2,642°F | 2,076°F |
| Temperature Rating (continuous) | 1,200°F | 750°F |
| Temperature Rating (intermittent) | 1,800°F | 1,000°F |