Basalt fiber is a revolutionary material produced by melting and extruding natural basalt rock into versatile fibers. These remarkable fibers offer three times the strength of steel while maintaining exceptional heat resistance and durability[1].
Manufacturing Process
The production of basalt fiber involves a straightforward one-stage process. Manufacturers select high-quality basalt rock containing over 46% silica and minimal iron content. They wash and crush the rock, then melt it at 1,500°C (2,730°F). The molten rock flows through tiny nozzles, creating continuous filaments between 10-20 micrometers in diameter[1].
Types and Applications
Continuous Fibers
Basalt continuous fibers (BCF) serve as reinforcement in composite materials. They’re woven into fabrics and non-woven materials, creating strong yet lightweight structures for windmill blades and ship hulls[1].
Specialized Variants
The industry produces two other distinct types:
- Staple fibers excel in thermal insulation
- Superthin fibers (BSTF) create premium fireproof and sound-dampening materials[1]
Performance Characteristics
The material boasts impressive mechanical properties:
- Tensile strength: 2.8-3.1 GPa
- Elastic modulus: 85-87 GPa
- Density: 2.67 g/cm³[1]
These properties make basalt fiber an excellent alternative to traditional materials. It outperforms many synthetic fibers while offering natural origins and superior environmental compatibility[1].
Historical Development
Paul Dhe pioneered basalt fiber technology in 1923 with U.S. patent 1,462,446. After World War II, researchers in the United States, Europe, and the Soviet Union advanced the technology for military applications. The material’s declassification in 1995 opened new possibilities for civilian use[1].
Modern Applications
Today’s construction industry employs basalt fiber in:
- Concrete reinforcement bars
- High-pressure vessels
- Bridge construction
- Building frameworks[1]
The automotive sector utilizes the material in car bodies and friction materials, while renewable energy companies choose it for windmill blade construction. The material’s versatility extends to consumer products like sports equipment and speaker cones[1].
Research and Development
Leading institutions like RWTH Aachen University and the Technical University of Dresden conduct ongoing research to enhance basalt fiber properties. Their work focuses on improving textile concrete applications and developing new composite materials that offer better durability and performance[1].
Citations:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basalt_fiber
Basalt fibers are produced from basalt rocks by melting them and converting the melt into fibers. Basalts are rocks of igneous origin. Basalt fibers are classified into 3 types:
- Basalt continuous fibers (BCF), used for the production of reinforcing materials and composite products, fabrics, and non-woven materials;
- Basalt staple fibers, for the production of thermal insulation materials; and
- Basalt superthin fibers (BSTF), for the production of high quality heat- and sound-insulating and fireproof materials.
