Basalt fibres a new prospectus of old material
Date
1997
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Textile Institute, Manchester, UK
Abstract
Basalt fibers similarly as a glass fibers are used for production of high ttemperature resistant and chemically inactive products. Basalt is used mainly for molded productss (flag stones, pipes) with increased abrasion resistance, temperature resistance and chemical resistance or in a form of short fibers for insulation purposes (basalt wool). Application of the technology of continuous spinning leads to the sufficiently even basalt filament yarns applicable in the textile branch. It is possible to use these yarns for production of planar or 3D textile structures for composites, special knitted products and also as the sewing threads. In this contribution the selected properties of basalt fibers in the comparison with glass ones are presented. The properties are investigated after tempering to the 50, 100, 200, 300 °C. The ultimate strength, deformation at break and sound wave spread velocity are compared. Structural changes of fibers are identified by scanning electron microscopy. Thermal properties are investigated by the TMA apparatus. The thermal expansion and compressive creep are investigated. The sewing threads from basalt filament fibers were prepared. Their applicability for sewing of filtering bags from glass fabrics was verified. It was evaluated that the basalt sewing thread have generally a little mechanical resistance (due its brittleness). Improving of theirs performance can be made by the surface coating with suitable polymeric materials. Good results were obtained by using of the resin from polyethyleneterephthalate. The analysis of fibrous fragment evolved during abrasion of basalt weave is presented. The basalt particles are too thick to be directly respirable but their length/diameter ratio is higher that 3 and therefore the handling of basalt fibers must be carried out with care.