BASALT FAQs
Q. WHAT IS BASALT?
A. Basalt is a common extrusive volcanic rock. An inert rock found worldwide, basalt is the generic term for solidified volcanic lava. Safe and abundant, basalt rock has long been known for its thermal properties, strength and durability.
We offer basalt fibers in a 100 percent mineral, continuous-filament form.
Q. WHAT MAKES BASALT SPECIAL?
A. Superior Thermal Protection. Our Basalt has a thermal range of -260 C to +982 C (1800 F) and melt point of 1450 C. Fibers are ideal for fire protection and insulative applications.
Basalt fibers are 100% natural and inert. They have been tested and proven to be non-carcinogenic and non-toxic. Manmade fibers with a diameter of six microns or less are considered an inhalant hazard.
Durable: Tough and long-lasting, fibers deliver acid, alkali, moisture and solvent resistance surpassing most mineral and synthetic fibers. They are immune to nuclear radiation, UV light, biologic and fungal contamination.
Fibers and fabrics can take the heat and take a pounding. They're stronger and more stable than alternative mineral and glass fibers, with tenacity that exceeds steel fibers many times over.
We partner with our fiber manufacturing facilities, ensuring customers reliable, consistent supply of fiber products at predictable prices.
Q. WHAT IS BASALT GEO MESH?
A. Basalt Geo-Mesh offers a number of advantages over metal or glass fiber used for pavement reinforcement:
Ecologically safe.
Withstands very high temperature of molten asphalt.
Very high strength and durability. Alkali-resistant and chemically inert.
Corrosion-resistant. Will not damage tires if exposed to road surface.
2.7 times lighter than metallic mesh, for easier handling and reduced transport costs. Up to 47% increase in asphalt surface life on roads and highways.
Basalt Geo-Mesh is also ideal for soil and embankment stabilization and land-fill coverings due to its high strength and environmental and ecological safety.
Q. WHAT IS BASALT CHOPPED FIBER USED FOR?
A. Used to strengthen concrete pour and castings Basalt fibers do not chip off and are stronger than fiberglass.
Basalt ‘chopped’ fiber is continuous filament cut to predetermined lengths to suit a particular application.
They are usually coated with a sizing/binder to make them compatible with other materials and elements with which it has to coexist the primary end product (concrete mix, for instance).
The ability of the basalt fiber to accept sizing is good. This is known as 'wetout'.
High tensile strength_ Alkali resistant_ High thermal conductivity
No carcinogenic risk or other health hazards
Completely inert with no environmental risks
Resistant to acids and aggressive chemicals
High E modulus resulting in excellent specific tenacity, three times that
of steel fiber_ Good fatigue resistance_ Electro-magnetic resistant
Typical uses for chopped fiber strands:
Basalt is the best reinforcement for concrete due to its tensile strength and natural resistance to deterioration from alkali.
Reinforcement for composites, polyester/epoxy resins and plastics as used_in automotive body panels, boat hulls and pultruded products, etc
Friction materials such as brake pads and linings
Manufacture of basalt mat/felt
High-temperature insulation applications
Passive fire protection materials
Filler for gypsum and sheetrock board requiring increased 'burn-thru' capability, to meet building regulations
High-performance automotive muffler filler
Q. WHAT IS BASALT WOVEN FABRIC?
A. Fireproof fabrics woven from yarns made from continuous-filament basalt, these fabrics are manufactured to varying thickness, weight, weave pattern and weaving technique according to end-use requirements.
Good adhesion characteristics for coatings
Non-combustible and fire-resistant
Excellent tensile strength
Maintains integrity at temperatures up to 1800F / 982C
Resistant to electromagnetic radiation
High-performance applications from construction to clothing:
Fire curtains for fire protection and containment (Tested and certified to BS 476)
Wall laminate to enhance burn-through times to meet building codes and regulations
Filtration material for industrial emission stacks and bag-houses
Roof protection from fire devastation
Fireproof clothing
Reinforcement in composites
Electromagnetic shields
Phone (401) 481 8422 or
Email us today for more information.
| COMPARATIVE TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FILAMENT
MADE FROM E-GLASS, BASALT AND SILICA |
||||
| Properties | SI Units | Basalt Filaments |
Fiberglass | Silica Filament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal | ||||
| Maximum application temperature | (°C) | 982° | 650° | 1100° |
| Sustained operating temperature | (°C) | 820° | 480° | 1000° |
| Minimum operating temperature | (°C) | -260° | -60° | -170° |
| Thermal conductivity | (W/m K) | 0.031-0.038 | 0.034-0.04 | 0.035-0.04 |
| Melting temperature | (°C) | 1450° | 1120° | 1550° |
| Virtification conductivity | (°C) | 1050° | 600° | 1300°-1670° |
| Glow loss | (%) | 1.91 | 0.32 | 1.75 |
| Thermal expansion coefficient | (ppm/ °C) | 8.0° | 5.4° | 0.05° |
| Physical/Mechanical | ||||
| Density | (g/cm3) | 2.75 | 2.6 | 2.15 |
| Filament diameter | (microns) | 9-23 | 9-13 | 9-15 |
| Tensile strength | (M Pa) | 4840 | 3450 | 4750 |
| Compression | (psi) | 550,000 | 440,000 | 510,000 |
| Elastic modulus | (G Pa) | 89 | 77 | 66 |
| Linear expansion coefficient | (x10 /K) | 5.5 | 5 | 0.5 |
| Elongation at break | (%) | 3.15 | 4.7 | 1.2 |
| Absorbtion of humidity (65%RAH) | (%) | <0.1 | <0.1 | <0.1 |
| Stability at tension (20 C°) | (%) | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Stability at tension (200 C°) | (%) | 95 | 92 | 94 |
| Stability at tension (400 C°) | (%) | 82 | 52 | 80 |
| Acoustics | ||||
| Sound absorbtion coefficient | (%) | 0.9-0.99 | 0.8-0.93 | 0.85-0.95 |
| Electrical | ||||
| Specific volume resistance | (ohm.m) | 1*10x12 | 1*10x11 | 1*10x11 |
| Loss angle tangent frequency | (1 MHz) | 0.005 | 0.0047 | 0.0049 |
| Relative dielectric permiability | (1 MHz) | 2.2 | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| Chemical Resistance | ||||
| % weight loss after 3 hrs boiling in: | ||||
| H2O | (%) | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.05 |
| 2n NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide) | (%) | 5.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| 2n HCI (Hydrochloric acid) | (%) | 2.2 | 38.9 | 15.7 |
| Price Comparison | $ | $ | $$$$ | |
| BASALT WOVEN FABRIC STANDARD PRODUCTS | ||||
| Style | Weight (gm/m) |
Thickness (mm) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT5 | 160 ±15 | 0.15 ±0.015 | ||
| BT8 | 210 ±20 | 0.18 ±0.02 | ||
| BT10 | 225 ±20 | 0.17 ±0.02 | ||
| BT11 | 380 ±25 | 0.29 ±0.03 | ||
| BT13 | 260 ±25 | 0.25 ±0.03 | ||
| TBK100 | 210 ±25 | 0.19 ±0.085 | ||
| TRB 0.6 | 850 ±80 | 0.6 ±0.1 | ||
| All of the above fabrics can be supplied in widths up to two meters (wider widths by special arrangement). Rolls of the above fabrics are supplied in lengths up to 100 meters. | ||||
| BASALT WOVEN FABRIC CAN BE SUPPLIED WITH THE FOLLOWING COATING ON ONE OR BOTH SIDES |
||||
| COATING TYPE | PURPOSE | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermoblocker | Intumescent barrier | |||
| Flock | Skin contact barrier | |||
| Silicon | Splatter protection | |||
| Acrylic | Splatter protection | |||
| PUR or EVA | Fatigue resistance | |||