Glass is melted and combined with other raw materials to make fibreglass material. This is strong, lightweight, and easily moldable and may be utilised in various applications. The type of glass fibre produced and the intended use significantly impact the fibreglass manufacturing process.
Introduction
Fibreglass is a fascinating material that has revolutionised several industries. Its unique combination of strength, lightweight, and ease of processing makes it ideal for creating various items, from boats to sports cars and even aeroplanes. It's no wonder it's so widely used today.
Fibreglass making is fascinating. Glass is melted and combined with other raw materials before being blown into resin vats. The type of glass and intended purpose of the finished product determine the production process used.
Fibreglass raw materials include silica sand, limestone, soda ash, magnesite, kaolin clay, and other substances. These are carefully mixed in specific proportions to create the desired composition.
Did you know? Fibreglass is the 272nd most traded product in the world, and China is the largest fibreglass producer.
What Is Fibreglass?
Fibreglass is a form of glass made when glass is drawn or blown into extremely fine fibres. Fibreglass's main characteristic is its flexibility, which can be easily moulded into different shapes without losing strength.
Fibreglass resists scratches, rust, corrosion and damage from exposure to chemical substances. The sturdiness, durability and flexibility of fibreglass make it a widely used material for commercial and industrial purposes.
Different types and forms of fibreglass have different utilities and properties. Read on to learn about fibreglass manufacturing processes in different forms, types, and properties.
Fibreglass Manufacturing Process
Fibreglass manufacturing involves different procedures depending on its type and intended use. The steps of the glass fibre manufacturing process are as follows:
1. Fibreglass manufacturing uses silica sand, soda ash, limestone, borax, magnesite, kaolin clay, calcined alumina, feldspar and other ingredients. Raw materials are measured and mixed in specific quantities.
2. The batch of mixed raw materials is then heated at a high temperature (approx. 1500-1700 degrees Celsius) to form molten glass. After the formation of molten glass, it is transferred to a machine for further processing.
3. Different types of processes can be applied to molten glass. It can be converted into glass marbles to inspect impurities. The other option is to remove it from the furnace in its liquid form through electrically heated bushings with multiple holes. The molten glass comes out as thin filaments.
4. Molten glass filaments are further processed depending on usage:
-
Continuous-filament Process: This process produces long-fibre yarns. Molten glass filaments are passed through a high-speed winder to form glass strands. After applying a chemical binder to these glass strands to avoid breakage, they are wound into tubes.
-
Staple-fibre Process: Through this process, a thin web of fibreglass strands is formed that can be used in insulation mats or other similar uses. In this process, molten glass filaments are exposed to extremely cool air that breaks the filaments into short strands. Then the strands pass through a revolving drum, and a lubricant is sprayed on the strands. Glass strands form a thin web of loose fibres.
-
Chopped Fibre: Glass strands are chopped into small lengths. A chemical binder is applied to the chopped pieces and processed in an oven. The glass fibre in mat form is produced that can be used for different products such as decorative mats, roofing, etc.
-
Glass Wool: Molten glass is passed through a cylindrical container. The container spins at high speeds, and streams of molten glass come out of the holes. The molten glass streams are converted into fibres by blasting them with air, hot gas, or both. The glass fibre then falls on a conveyer belt and takes the form of interlaced glass fibre or glass wool.
Also Read: 7 Crucial Steps of the Concrete Manufacturing Process
Types of Fibreglass
Fibreglass types can be classified into follows:
1. A-glass Fibre
The most widely used variety of alkali glass fibre is called "a-glass fibre" and is used to make fibreglass. It is a well-liked option for many applications because it is affordable and recyclable.
Flat glass and container glass are the two varieties of a-glass fibre that are produced. While container glass is used in jars, containers, and bottles, flat glass is frequently used in windows, doors, and car windscreens.
2. C-glass Fibre
Chemical glass fibre, sometimes called C-glass fibre, is extremely resistant to chemical attack. Because of its ability to withstand corrosion, this fibreglass material is best suited for use on tanks and pipes that transport severe chemicals.
Because it contains a lot of carbon borosilicate, c-glass fibre has exceptional chemical resistance.
3. D-glass Fibre
This fibreglass material is most commonly used in electrical appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves and cookware. It is also used in optical cables. Additionally, optical cables employ it. This fibreglass material is non-conductive and has good electrical insulation properties.
4. E-glass Fibre
E-glass fibre, often called electrical glass fibre, is utilised in industrial, marine, and aerospace applications. E-glass fibre is durable, reasonably priced, and resistant to heat and chemicals.
It is frequently utilised when great strength and light weight are essential, including when making boats, aircraft, and sporting goods.
5. AE-glass
Made of zirconium oxide, AE-glass, sometimes called alkali-resistant glass, is resistant to an alkaline environment. Concrete is strengthened and made more flexible by AE-glass, especially when subjected to very alkaline conditions, like maritime environments or wastewater treatment facilities.
6. S-glass
S-glass, sometimes referred to as structural glass, is used for various things, including soundproofing and waterproofing. Due to its superior tensile strength, this fibreglass is useful for structural uses such as constructing bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure.
High-performance sporting goods like hockey sticks and golf club shafts are also made using S-glass.
Properties of Fibreglass
Fibreglass has the following properties:
1. Chemical Resistant
Fibreglass material is resistant to chemical impact and does not easily react with acids, bases, oxidising agents, metal salts, etc. This property makes fibreglass the most suitable material for pipes, water tanks, water treatment plants and other products, including chemical exposure. Fibreglass is corrosion-resistant, making fibreglass materials durable.
2. Dimensional Stability
Fibreglass material does not stretch or shrink due to heat and temperature fluctuations. It can be used in materials exposed to temperature variations, such as transmission cables, pipelines, etc.
3. High-strength
Fibreglass offers high strength and durability, is stronger than steel and can last for many years. Fibreglass can withstand extreme weather conditions without cracking, corrosion, shrinking, or stretching.
4. High Thermal Endurance
Fibreglass is heat-resistant; it maintains strength even at high temperatures. It does not catch fire easily or emit smoke or toxic substances when exposed to heat.
5. Low Thermal Conductivity
The low thermal conductivity of fibreglass makes it the best insulating material. It is therefore used in the home insulation and building industry.
6. Flexibility
Fibreglass is flexible and thus can be moulded into complex shapes. It can be combined with various resins and plastics to produce different products as per the required usage.
7. Cost-effective
Fibreglass is cheaper than carbon fibre.
8. Moisture Resistant
Fibreglass material does not absorb or deteriorate easily due to moisture and water exposure.
Applications of Fibreglass
Different fibreglass materials have different uses. Here are some of the applications.
1. Shipping Industry
Fibreglass materials are frequently used in shipping because they are corrosion-resistant and durable in hostile marine environments. They are utilised in marine applications such as docks, ships, and boats.
Fibreglass is chosen over more conventional materials like steel or wood because it is light, strong, and simple to maintain. Fibreglass is durable since it is also resistant to water and UV rays.
2. Heat Shields
Fibreglass fabric is used in various heat shield applications. It is made of heat-resistant glass filaments and fibre yarns. Fibreglass cloth is frequently used in fire curtains to stop the spread of fire. It also insulates pipes, boilers, and other industrial machinery.
3. Windows and Doors
Fibreglass is a common material for windows used in commercial and residential structures. It is preferred for producing windows and glass doors for buildings and automobiles since it is sturdy, hygienic, and corrosion-resistant.
Due to their low thermal conductivity, fibreglass windows and doors are an energy-efficient choice for structures.
Also Read: How Are Carbon Papers Made - The Mayer and Flexographic Method Explained
4. Flooring
Made from fibreglass yarn, fibreglass flooring is frequently utilised in industrial and commercial settings. Fibreglass flooring is a great alternative for high-traffic locations like factories, warehouses, and hospitals since it is extremely resilient and can tolerate high foot traffic.
It can be used in locations subject to spills or chemical leaks since it is moisture- and chemical-resistant.
5. Glass Jars, Containers, and Electrical Appliances
Glass Jars, Containers, and Electrical Appliances: Glass jars, containers, and electrical appliances like cookware, microwaves, and refrigerators all frequently employ fibreglass. Adding fibreglass makes these products stronger and more resilient to breakage.
Fibreglass is a perfect material for electrical equipment since it is non-conductive and has good electrical insulation capability. Fibreglass is safe for food containers and packaging because it is non-reactive and non-toxic.
Conclusion
Fibreglass is preferred over other similar components because it has a longer life, is flexible and is recyclable. Exposure to chemicals and heat does not affect fibreglass quality and life.
Fibreglass manufacturing process, fibreglass raw material and its composition differ by fibreglass type and its intended usage. Fibreglass has high demand in various industrial and commercial sectors.
Follow Khatabook for the latest updates, news blogs, and articles related to micro, small and medium businesses (MSMEs), business tips, income tax, GST, salary, and accounting.
