Glass

There are many inorganic fibres, including glass, carbon, metal and ceramic. They are used particularly in the industrial fibre sector. Glass is the most important inorganic fibre.

Production

It is produced by melting glass pellets in an electric furnace at around 1500 degrees C. The molten glass passes through small holes in a plate at the base of the furnace. After cooling in air it is wound up on a package. Alternatively it can be spun centrifugally to form a web.

Properties and End-Uses

There are several types of glass fibre produced. They have in common high moduli, high rot resistance, low moisture uptake, are brittle and have low breaking extensions. Glass is used extensively for insulation in the form of a felt and also for reinforcing plastics to make boats, caravans, automobile parts etc. Other lesser uses are flame-resistant curtains and décor fabrics.