GLASS FIBRE

Glass fibre – A introduction

• popular for their of high strength.

• relatively light weight.
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• commonly used in filtration, insulation, reinforcement for composites, etc.
Types of glass fibres

Type Description

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- Contains 72% slilica, 25% Soda and lime
A Glass -Poor resistance to heat (500–600 °C).
-Used for windows, containers, light bulbs, tableware.
-Chemical glass—Sodium borosilicate glass (alkali-lime glass) with high boron oxide content,
C Glass - Improved durability
- Used for glass staple fibers possesses

D glass -Borosilicate glasses

-improved dielectric strength and low density,.

E Glass - An electrically resistant glass fibre.

-Alumina-calcium-borosilicate glasses.
- Used in glass reinforced plastics
Types of glass fibres

Type Description

ECR Glass

AR Glass
- Calcium aluminosilicate glasses
- Modified “E” glass.

-High Quality Alkali resistant glasses

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-composed of alkali zirconium silicates used in cement substrates and concrete.

R Glass - Calcium aluminosilicate glasses

- High-strength, high-modulus glass at a lower cost than “S”.

S & S2 -Magnesium aluminosilicate glasses (40% higher than E-glass)

Glass - developed for aerospace applications.
 Manufacturing

• The fibre manufacturing process has effectively two variants.

1. Marble belt method: One involves the preparation of marbles, which are
remelted in the fiberisation stage.
2. Direct melting route: A furnace is continuously charged with raw materials
which are melted and refined as that glass reaches the forehearth above a set
of platinum–rhodium bushings from which the fibres are drawn
Direct melt method

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Marble melt method

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Manufacturing : the process

Direct melt method

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•All ingredients are placed in a batch furnace at temperature 1700 degree celsius.
•Mixing and melting: forms homogeneous glass
•This is followed by the liquid glass flowing direct to fibre drawing furnaces called bushings.
•The melt is passed through the bushings
•Follwing fibrisation, the glass filaments are passed over roller or belt mechanism in order
to apply the size.

Marble melt method

•In this method, following mixing and melting, the glass isformed into marbles or rods.
•It is then remelted and passed through the bushingd for fibrisation.

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PROPERTIES

× Dimensional stability - does not stretch or shrink to high temperature

- max elongation for “E” glass at break is 4.8% with a 100% elastic recovery when
stressed close to its point of rupture.
× Moisture Resistance - Glass fibers do not absorb moisture or change physically or chemically when
exposed to water.
× High Strength - The high strength-to-weight ratio of glass fiber makes it a superior material in
applications where high strength and minimum weight are required.
× Fire Resistance: glass fiber is an inorganic material and will not burn or support combustion. It retains
approximately 25% of its initial strength at 1000°F (540°C).
× Chemical Resistance - Most chemicals have little or no effect on glass fiber. The inorganic glass textile
fibers will not mildew or deteriorate. Glass fibers are affected by hydrofluoric, hot phosphoric acids and
strong alkaline substances.
 Applications

×Automotive Market - Polymer matrix composites containing glass fibers are used to make external body
panels, bumper beams, pultruded body panels and air ducts, engine components, etc.
- Parts made are much lighter than metallic ones, making the automobile more fuel
efficient.
- The radar transparency characteristics of glass has given it some key uses in the
radar evading stealth technologies.
×Marine Market - Sailing boats and hulls and decks of commercial fishing boats and military mine hunters
×Civil Construction - use of glass fibers in polymeric resins for paneling, bathtubs and shower stalls, doors,
windows etc.
- glass fibers are also used as reinforcement in a variety of house hold items such as
paper, tapes, lampshades etc.
- Some special alkali resistant glass fibers have been developed for reinforcement of
cement and concrete. Commonly steel bars are used for such purposes.