Basalt FAQs
Q. WHAT IS BASALT?
A. Basalt is a common extrusive volcanic rock. An inert rock found worldwide, basalt is the generic term for solidified volcanic lava. Safe and abundant, basalt rock has long been known for its thermal properties, strength and durability.
We offer basalt fibers in a 100 percent mineral, continuous-filament form.
Q. WHAT MAKES BASALT SPECIAL?
A. Superior Thermal Protection. Our Basalt has a thermal range of -260 C to +982 C (1800 F) and melt point of 1450 C. Fibers are ideal for fire protection and insulative applications.
Basalt fibers are 100% natural and inert. They have been tested and proven to be non-carcinogenic and non-toxic. Manmade fibers with a diameter of six microns or less are considered an inhalant hazard.
Durable: Tough and long-lasting, fibers deliver acid, alkali, moisture and solvent resistance surpassing most mineral and synthetic fibers. They are immune to nuclear radiation, UV light, biologic and fungal contamination.
Fibers and fabrics can take the heat and take a pounding. They’re stronger and more stable than alternative mineral and glass fibers, with tenacity that exceeds steel fibers many times over.
We partner with our fiber manufacturing facilities, ensuring customers reliable, consistent supply of fiber products at predictable prices.
Q. WHAT IS BASALT GEO MESH?
A. Basalt Geo-Mesh offers a number of advantages over metal or glass fiber used for pavement reinforcement:
• Ecologically safe.
• Withstands very high temperature of molten asphalt.
• Very high strength and durability. Alkali-resistant and chemically inert.
• Corrosion-resistant. Will not damage tires if exposed to road surface.
• 2.7 times lighter than metallic mesh, for easier handling and reduced transport costs. Up to 47%> increase in asphalt surface life on roads and highways.
• Basalt Geo-Mesh is also ideal for soil and embankment stabilization and land-fill coverings due to its high strength and environmental and ecological safety.
Q. DOES BASALT REBAR MEET ACI CODES?
Yes, basalt FRP rebar is used as per ACI 440.1R-06. The construction use is dictated by code 440.6-08. It is specified by 440.5-08 and tested according to ASTM D7205 and several other test methods. ASTM testing of Basalt FRP rebar shows that Basalt FRP rebar easily meets the performance requirements of ACI 440.6-08. Click here for more basalt rebar ACI Code details.
Q. WHAT IS BASALT CHOPPED FIBER USED FOR?
A. Used to strengthen concrete pour and castings Basalt fibers do not chip off and are stronger than fiberglass. Basalt ‘chopped’ fiber is continuous filament cut to predetermined lengths to suit a particular application.
• They are usually coated with a sizing/binder to make them compatible with other materials and elements with which it has to coexist the primary end product (concrete mix, for instance).
• The ability of the basalt fiber to accept sizing is good. This is known as ‘wetout’.
• High tensile strength_ Alkali resistant_ High thermal resistance
• 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
Typical uses for chopped fiber strands:
• Basalt is the best reinforcement for concrete due to its tensile strength and natural resistance to deterioration from alkali.
• Reinforcement for composites, polyester/epoxy resins and plastics as used_in automotive body panels, boat hulls and pultruded products, etc.
• Friction materials such as brake pads and linings
• Manufacture of basalt mat/felt
• High-temperature insulation applications
• Passive fire protection materials
• Filler for gypsum and sheetrock board requiring increased ‘burn-thru’ capability, to meet building regulations
• High-performance automotive muffler filler
Q. WHAT IS BASALT WOVEN FABRIC?
A. Fireproof fabrics woven from yarns made from continuous-filament basalt, these fabrics are manufactured to varying thickness, weight, weave pattern and weaving technique according to end-use requirements.
• Good adhesion characteristics for coatings
• Non-combustible and fire-resistant
• Excellent tensile strength
• Maintains integrity at temperatures up to 1800F / 982C
• Resistant to electromagnetic radiation
High-performance applications from construction to clothing:
• Fire curtains for fire protection and containment (Tested and certified to BS 476)
• Wall laminate to enhance burn-through times to meet building codes and regulations
• Filtration material for industrial emission stacks and bag-houses
• Roof protection from fire devastation
• Fireproof clothing
• Reinforcement in composites
• Electromagnetic shields