The basalts are extrusive naturally mined igneous rock. They are dense fine-grained rocks that are o
The basalts are extrusive naturally mined igneous rock. They are dense fine-grained rocks that are of very dark color- green or black and form when molten lava from deep in the earth's crust rises up and solidifies. Slightly coarser old sheets of basalt, now partially altered but still dark in color, are extensively quarried, crushed, and sold as "traprock".
Basalt is a hard, dense, dark volcanic rock composed chiefly of plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine, and often having a glassy appearance.
Its main use is as a crushed rock used in construction, industrial and highway engineering. However it is not commonly known that basalt can be used in manufacturing and made into fine, superfine and ultra fine fibers. Comprised of single-ingredient raw material melt, basalt fibers are considered superior to other fibers in terms of thermal stability, heat and sound insulation properties, vibration resistance and durability.
Basalt continuous fibers offer the prospect of a completely new range of composite materials and products.
Basalt products have no toxic re-action with air or water, are non-combustible and explosion proof. When in contact with other chemicals they produce no chemical reactions that may damage health or the environment. Basalt replace almost all applications of asbestos and has three times its heat insulation properties. Basalt based composites can replace steel and all known reinforced plastics (1 kg of basalt reinforcement equals 9.6 kg of steel). The life of basalt fiber pipes, designed for a variety of applications, could be at least 50 years without maintenance or electrical or technical protection.
Basalt fibers together with carbon or ceramic fibers as well as various metals is one of the most advanced and exciting area of application, as they can develop new hybrid composite materials and technologies.
Basalt’s special properties can possibly reduce the cost of products whilst improving their performance. More than hundred specific unique manufacturing techniques using basalt fiber materials and products have been developed and patented in Russia.
Characteristics:
• 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