2. Basalt is well known as rock found in virtually every
country around the world. 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 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, is 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 the
most advanced and exciting area of application, as they can develop new hybrid
composite materials and technologies.
Basalt's special properties reduces 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 Ukraine.
Basalt fibers are new unique and economic products with superior properties to
similar one in present use like as glass fibers.
In thermal conductivity, articles made of basalt fibers are 3 times as efficient as
those made of asbestos, and superior to glass and mineral fibers. The application
temperature of articles made of basalt fibers markedly higher (from -260 to 900°C).
3. In their physical properties (strength, elasticity) basalt fibers
considerably exceed mineral and glass fibers.
Due the elasticity of micro- and macrostructure, basalt fibers are
vibration-resistant compared to similar products. This property is of
particular importance in mechanical construction and civil engineering.
For example, when buildings are erected near highways, railways and
underground, whereas under vibration cushions of mineral and glass
fibers experience damage and finally disintegrate, basalt slabs are
vibration-resistant and, hence, more durable.
In chemical properties basalt fibers are more resistant to aggressive media i. e. acids
and alkalis. Therefore pipes made of basalt fibers may be used in the chemical
production for transporting hot acids, in the construction of sewerage systems,
transportation of aggressive liquids and gases, loose materials, etc.
Dielectric properties of basalt-plastics, in particular volume resistance of basalt fibers
are 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher than those of fiberglass.
Basalt fibers can be used in various branches of industry fully replacing cancerous
asbestos and to a considerable degree glass fibers and metals.
The processing technologies of basalt fiber conforms to traditional technologies of
glass fiber processing (fabrics, roving, chopped strands, GFRP). Thanks to their
excellent properties basalt fiber may be used for manufacturing of thermo and alkali
resistant articles (tanks, pipes, GFRP, warm insulating materials) and as ecological
harmless substitute for asbestos.
4. THERMAL BEHAVIOUR
Good resistances against low and high temperatures characterize Basalt. Basalt is
non-combustible and explosion proof. In pure form it does not release toxic
combustion products.
In applications with stress on the fibers, (continuous filament) Basalt fibres perform
relatively better than E-glass fibres in the temperature range +300 to 500 °C.
We have learnt however that the true comparative performances at high
temperatures of E-glass fibers vs. continuous filament Basalt fibers is best obtained
by considering the key functional parameters of the final product - made from the
two fibers - in its specific end-use application.
In application with very low stress on the fibers, temperatures around +1250 °C -
the flame temperature - can be sustained continuously without loss of fabric
integrity. The melting temperature of Basalt is about 1400 °C. The material hence
having excellent resistance to fire, Basalt fabrics are ideally suited for fire protective
applications. Flame barrier fabrics as e.g. a stand-alone fire curtain or a component
in an end product (such as a fire blocking interliner in a train seat construction) grant
hours of protection against fire.
5. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
The specific tenacity (ratio: rupture stress divided by density) of basalt fibres
exceeds that of steel fibres, many times. Basalt is roughly 5 % denser than glass.
The tensile modulus (E modulus, Young modulus) of basalt fibers is higher than the
one of E-glass fibers. This makes Basalt fibers & fabrics attractive for the
reinforcement of composites.
The low elongation - perfectly elastical up till rupture - results in dimensionally very
stable fabrics. Basalt textiles show sufficient suppleness and drapeability. They
exhibit good fatigue resistance. The yarn shows low friction coefficients vs. most
materials.
The basalt fabrics, as they come from the weaving loom, present however several
shortcomings which actually prevent readily further applications.
These are:
high instability - due to the low friction coefficient of the material - resulting
in: unravelling of the fabric at the edges, and it being easily damaged by
pointed objects or during transportation and handling
very low stichability and seam strength
skin irritation - the high rigidity and low elongation of basalt filaments
(somewhat like carbon fibers) result in the continuous filaments showing
rupture points. These stiff filament ends penetrate the skin, when rubbed over
the fabric breaks when folded over and pressured at the fold
the solution to the issues above may not be detrimental to the intrinsic high
temperature and fire blocking properties of the Basalt fabric. When subjected
to flames, fire may not propagate on the fabrics' surface, no corrosive or toxic
gasses may emanate, and a minimal level of smoke may be generated.
6. Technical Data „stone“ Fibre Basalt
Properties Unit Value
Thickness Mikrons 9 – 23
Density g/cm³ 2,7
Thermal Conductivity W/mk 0,031- 0,038
E-Modulus GPa 90 – 100
Moisture absorption < 0,1
Tensile MPa 3800 – 4100
Elongation % 4
Temperature resistance: °C
min. operating temp. -260
max. operating temp under pressure +450
max. operating temp without presure +650
max. operating temp at flammable +1200
point +1450-1650
Melting point
dielektric Constant Compared to 1-2 x >
E-Glass
chemical resistance, retention of weigth
in % after 3 hrs: H2O 99,6
0,5N NaOH 93,4
2N NaOH 65,4 – 77,3
2N H2SO4 66,4 – 98,5
7. CHEMICAL BEHAVIOUR
Basalt fibers have good acid and solvent resistances, surpassing those of E-glass
fibers and many mineral and synthetic fibres. Basalt fibers have better resistance to
alkalines than E-glass fibers.
The inert basic material possesses, in addition to its corrosion resistance, also good
resistances to UV-light and biologic contamination. It does not become radio-active
after irradiation. In pure form, it is free of odour and has low soiling sensitivity.
Absorption of humidity comes to less than 0.1 % at 65 % relative air humidity and
room temperature.
Basalt fibres show excellent quot;wet abilityquot; of - or a natural adhesion to - a broad range
of binders, coating compounds and matrix materials in composite applications. This
property can be further enhanced through optimized surface treatment.
8. BASALT FIBRES AS REINFORCEMENT FOR COMPOSITES
Basalt is mainly used (as crushed rock) in construction, industrial and high way
engineering. One can also melt basalt (1300-1700°C) and spin it into fine fibres.
When used as (continuous) fibres, basalt can reinforce a new range of (plastic and
concrete matrix) composites. It can also be used in combination with other
reinforcements.
Some possible applications of basalt fibres and basalt-based composites are: thermal
and sound insulation/protection (e.g. basalt wool, engine insulation), pipes, bars,
fittings, fabrics, structural plastics, automotive parts, concrete reinforcement
(constructions), insulating plastics and frictional materials.
This wide range of possible applications results from its wide range of good
properties. Basalt has good thermal, electrical and sound insulating properties. It can
replace asbestos in almost all its possible applications (insulation) since the former
has three times the latter’s heat insulating properties. Furthermore, the fibre
diameter (comparable with E-glass fibres, can be controlled in order to prevent
uptake of harmful ultra-fine fibres. Because of its good electrical insulating properties
(10 times better than E-glass), basalt fibres are also incorporated into printed circuit
boards, resulting in superior overall properties compared to conventional components
made of fibreglass. It is also used in other electro technical applications such as extra
fine resistant insulation for electrical cables and underground ducts. Because of its
thermal insulating properties it is already used as fire protection in the form of
fabrics or tapes. Automotive, aircraft, ship and household appliances are also made.
These are made with thermosetting resins, such as epoxy and (phenolic) polyesters.
Possible techniques involve prepregs, laying out, winding, direct pressure
autoclaving, and vacuum moulding. Other, structural basalt composite components
(such as pipes and rods) are made from unidirectional basalt reinforcement. In
combination with its high specific strength (9.6 times as high as steel), high
resistance to aggressive media, and high electrical insulting properties, this results in
specialty products such as insulators for high voltage power lines.
Basalt composite pipes can transport corrosive liquids and gases. The same
equipment as for fibreglass pipes can be used for this. These pipes are reported to
be several times stronger than glass-fibre ipes. Next table illustrates this:
9. Property Glass-plastic Basalt-plastic
Tensile (MPa) 140 10 (300)
Tensile E (GPa) 56 70 (160)
Density (kg/m³) 1900 1700
Therm. Cond. (kcal/m h °C) 0.5 0.3
12
Volume resistivety ( /m) 10 4x10
Values in brackets are for basalt/carbon pipes.
Due to basalt’s low thermal conductivity, deposition of salts and paraffin’s inside the
pipes is also reduced.
Basalt fibres can also be used in machine building because of their good frictional,
heat and chemical resistance.
Comparison between glass- and basalt fibres
With regard to their chemical composition glass and basalt fibres are somewhat alike,
but for some components there are differences:
w% in E- w% in
Compound
glass basalt
SiO2 52-56 51.6-57.5
Al2O3 12-16 16.9-18.2
CaO 16-25 5.2-7.8
MgO 0-5 1.3-3.7
B2 O 3 5-10 -
Na2O 0.8 2.5-6.4
K2O 0.2-0.8 0.8-4.5
Fe2O3 0.3 4.0-9.5
Several basalt compounds may vary, but especially the SiO2 content may vary
largely. Only SiO2 percentages above 46% (‘acid basalt’) are suitable or fibre
production.
10. Mechanical properties
Typical tensile strengths varies greatly:
E-glass: 3.4±0.7 GPa for fibres and 0.86-1.27 GPa for rovings (density: 2.52-2.63
g/cm³)
Basalt: 1.43±0.59 GPa for fibres and 0.69–0.92 GPa for rovings (density: 2.6-2.8
g/cm³)
Basalt also has a higher modulus (82-110 GPa) than E-glass (68-73 GPa). [5-6]
Several basalt (‘B’) and E-glass (‘G’) were tested (‘f’ for fibre tests and ‘r’ for roving
tests); the results are given in the next table.
Tensile Tensile E
Sample
(MPa) (GPa)
B1 (r) 860 ± 63 76.6 ± 3.3
B2 (r) 835 ± 83 73.5 ± 2.5
B3 (r) 650 ± 68 70.4 ± 7.4
B3 (f) 1662 ± 599 74.8 ± 3.6
G1 (r) 1630 ± 136 63.1 ± 3.2
G2 (r) 1115 ± 51 75.9 ± 1.5
G2 (f) 1362 ± 412 67.6 ± 2.1
As expected, basalt has a lower strength and a higher modulus than E-glass. In non-
standard conditions, however, basalt could prove to be stronger than E-glass.
11. FIELDS and APPLICATIONS
where Basalt Fiber Products are known to - or can - be applied with benefit
1. Surface & Air Transportation
* Fire protected seats in planes, trains, ships, subways, …
* Fire proof floorings & ceilings
* Airplane life jacket pouches
* ...
2. Specialty furniture
* Fire proof mattresses (for hospitals, hotels, etc)
* Fire proof seating
* ...
3. Electricity and Electronics
* Power: fire resistant cable construction components as fillers, braidings, tapes
* Transformer stations: screens, protection, insulation
* Motor insulation: tapes
* ...
4. Construction
* Fire protective wall, floor & ceiling panels. Fire proof curtains and partitions for
indoors and outdoors
* Heat insulation in heating systems, power generation, incinerators
* Roofing: rigid and flexible roof covers with raised fire resistance
* Fire protective clothing
* Fire resistant floor coverings: backing, reinforcement
* Fire resistant interior decoration
...
12. Safety Data Sheet
According to 91 / 155 / EWG and 93 / 112 / EG
Print Date: 31 March 2005 Page 1/4
1. Identification of the substance / Preparation and the Company / Undertaking
1.1 Product name: Basalt Continuous Fiber (BCF)
Roving: BCF 13.100/200/300/…/2600.KV2, BC9-150-P8
BCF 13.100/200/300/…/1200…/2600.KV., BC12-800-P8
Chopped Fibers: BCF 13.3/6/9/…/87.KV1,
BCF 13.3/6/9/…87.KV5
Basalt Twisted Yarn BC9-330x1x2-P8
1.2 Manufacturer / Supplier: Filter Fabric Consulting
Gmundnerstraße 9/3
A-4861 Schörfling
Austria
1.3 Telephone number: Office
Tel/Fax: +43 (0) 7662 57905
e-mail: m.schobesberger@aon.at
2. Composition / Information on Ingredients
2.1 Chemical description: SiO2 50-58%; Al2O3 14-18%; CaO 5-10%; MgO 4-9%;
Fe2O 5-10%; Na2O 2-5%; K2O 0,8-3%; other <2
2.2 Hazardous ingredients: No hazardous components
3. Hazards Identification
3.1 Description of potential hazards: none
3.2 Specific hazards for persons and the environment: none
3.3 Classification System: none
4. First Aid Measures
4.1 Inhalation: not applicable
4.2 Ingestion: not applicable
4.3 Skin contact: not applicable
4.4 Eye contact: not applicable
5. Fire-Fighting Measures fire class A
5.1 Appropriate extinguishing agent(s): the product is none flammable
5.2 For safety inappropriate extinguishing agent(s): none
5.3 Particular hazards caused by the material, combustion products or
resulting gas: none
5.4 Special safety equipment needed for fire-fighting: none
13. Safety Data Sheet
According to 91 / 155 / EWG and 93 / 112 / EG
Print Date: 31 March 2005 Page 2/4
6. Accidental Release Measures
6.1 Personal precautions: no special measures are necessary
6.2 Environmental measures: no special measures are necessary
6.3 Methods for cleaning up: sweep, vacuum or wash away
7. Handling and Storage
7.1 Handling: no special measures are necessary
7.2 Handling during a fire and/or explosion: the product is none flammable
7.3 Storage: store product in a dry environment
7.4 Storage class: not applicable
8. Explosion Controls / Personal Protection
8.1 Personal protection equipment:
8.1.1 General protection and hygienic measures: no special measures are necessary
8.1.2 Respiratory protection: not applicable
8.1.3 Hand protection: not applicable
8.1.4 Eye protection: not applicable
8.1.5 Body and skin protection: not applicable
9a. Physical and Chemical Properties
9a.1 Appearance:
Form: volcanic rock
Color: gray to black
Odor: odorless
9a.2 Change of state:
Melting point / area of melting temperatures: 1450°C
Boiling point / flash point: not applicable
Flammability / Auto flammability: not flammable
Igniting temperature: not applicable
Explosive properties: not applicable
14. Safety Data Sheet
According to 91 / 155 / EWG and 93 / 112 / EG
Print Date: 31 March 2005 Page 3/4
9b. Physical and Chemical Properties
9b.1 Vapor pressure: not applicable
9b.2 Density: 2,7 g/cm³
9b.3 Solubility in water: not permeable
9b.4 Viscosity: not applicable
10. Stability and Reactivity
10.1 Materials to avoid: none
10.2 Thermal decomposition: not applicable
10.3 Hazardous reactions: not applicable
10.4 Hazardous decomposition products: not applicable
10.5 Stability: stable
11. Toxicological Information
11.1 Acute toxicity: not applicable
11.2 Irritable impact: eventual dust exposure
11.3 Skin: not applicable
11.4 Eyes: just like any foreign matter possible irritation may occur, do not rub your eyes, rinse with
water
12. Ecological Information
12.1 General Information: basalt is ecologically safe, ecologically recognized and specially suited for
multiple applications (reuse)
13. Disposal Considerations
13.1 Waste from residues /
Unused products: disposable in accordance with local and national regulations
13.2 Contaminated packaging: disposal (i.e. ARA-Sammelsystem)
15. Safety Data Sheet
According to 91 / 155 / EWG and 93 / 112 / EG
Print Date: 31 March 2005 Page 4/4
14. Transport Information
not described as a dangerous good by transportation regulations, if possible transport the product in a
dry environment
15. Regulatory Information
15.1 Labeling according to European eGefStoffV / EG: not necessary to label the product
15.2 National regulations: not applicable
15.3 Labeling according to VbF: not applicable
15.4 Water hazard classification: WGK 0 (self estimation): in general no water damage
16. Additional Information
The above information is based on laboratory testing and literary research and support all facts
enclosed in this safety data sheet from the last print of date.
The information explains safety relevance of the properties and requirements of the products.
With new issues of this safety data sheet, the out dated safety sheets lose their credibility.
