Basalt fiber proponents say that their product clearly outperforms E-glass in composites. In chopped mat, roving and unidirectional fabric forms, basalt fibers exhibit a higher breaking load and higher Young’s modulus (a measure of the stiffness of a given material) than E-glass.
In a study of basalt fibers and E-glass fibers, conducted by Professor Ignaas Verpoest at the Composites Dept. of the University of Leuven in Belgium, unidirectional prepregs were produced by impregnating E-glass and basalt roving with epoxy and winding each on a mandrel, and then compacting the laminate until complete cure was achieved. Samples of 135-mm by 15-mm (5.3-inches by 0.6-inch) were cut and measured for thickness. The pieces were then subjected to a three-point bending test (ISO 178) and the ILSS test (ISO 14130) to test strength and stiffness. Verpoest reports that each sample had a fiber volume fraction of 40 percent, but the basalt/epoxy sample’s strength tested 13.7 percent higher than that of the E-glass sample and exhibited 17.5 percent greater stiffness, although the basalt sample was 3.6 percent heavier than the E-glass sample.
Additionally, basalt fibers are naturally resistant to ultraviolet (UV) and high-energy electromagnetic radiation, maintain their properties in cold temperatures, and provides better acid resistance.
Reportedly, basalt also is superior in the realm of worker safety and air quality as well. Markuts points out that since basalt is the product of volcanic activity, the fiberization process is more environmentally safe than that of glass fiber. The “greenhouse” gases that might otherwise be released during fiber processing, he says, were vented millions of years ago during the magma eruption. Further, basalt is 100 percent inert, that is, it has no toxic reaction with air or water, and is noncombustible and explosion proof.
Having better performance than E glass fibers why Basalt fibers are not used in manufacturing of wind turbine blades??
We would love to have wind turbine manufacturers better understand the superior properties of basalt fibers. As they do cost a little more than fiberglass, many companies are
not willing to pay for even improved performance when they have something that seems to work ok the way it is.
Impact resistance, UV immunity, safer non-respirable, much better at electrical insulation and recyclability are some compelling reasons for them to see a financial incentive.
How’s the price of basalt fiber comparing to E glass?
Basalt in small amounts costs more than E-glass however it is more like an S-glass in performance and costs far less than S-glass.
Also much less than carbon or Kevlar. Basalt has an over 25% higher flexural (stiffer) modulus of elasticity than E-glass. It takes impact far better than any of the other fibers. A hammer hitting a layer or two of fiberglass or carbon will go right through and will bounce off the basalt.
So many times less layers of basalt can be used than E-glass making the total cost (time, resins, cloth etc.) much less than an E-glass. It is safer, non-respirable (still wear masks when sanding) more easily recyclable, UV immune and does not soak up water if say you get a blast run a gel coat.
We manufacture racing kayaks. We use a 4oz s glass in the first layer against the gelcoat .
Would we be able to replace it with basalt and end up with the same weight ?
We have a 3.2 oz and a 4.7 oz plain weave. So yes with better impact