Frequently Asked Questions about Basalt

Basalt fiber is a material made from extremely fine fibers of basalt, which is composed of the minerals plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine. It is similar to carbon fiber and fiberglass, having better physicomechanical properties than fiberglass but being significantly cheaper than carbon fiber. It is used as a fireproof textile in the aerospace and automotive industries and can also be used as a composite to produce a wide variety of products.

Basalt fiber is made from a single material, crushed basalt, from a carefully chosen quarry source, and unlike other materials such as glass fiber, essentially no materials are added. The basalt is simply washed and then melted. The manufacture of basalt fiber requires the melting of the quarried basalt rock. The molten rock is then extruded through small nozzles to produce continuous filaments of basalt fiber. The fibers typically have a filament diameter of between 9 and 13 microns. They also have a high elastic modulus, resulting in excellent specific strength—three times that of steel.

• Superior Thermal Protection. Our Basalt has a thermal range of -260 C to +982 C (1800 F) and a melting 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, and biological, 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 a tenacity that exceeds steel fibers many times over.

We partner with our fiber manufacturing facilities, ensuring customers a reliable, consistent supply of fiber products at predictable prices.

Yes, the 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.

Basalt Chopped Fiber is used to strengthen concrete pour and castings Basalt fibers do not chip off and are stronger than fiberglass. Basalt ‘chopped’ fiber is a 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 with 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, 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

We supply two types of fiber in a variety of diameters and lengths. Please review the “Get a Quote” page to learn more

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 the 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.

Please ask us if you want to know more about this product offering

Fireproof fabrics are woven from yarns made from continuous-filament basalt. These fabrics are manufactured to varying thickness, weight, weave pattern, and weaving techniques 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

Please ask us to learn more about this product offering.