Frequently Asked Questions

Basalt fiber is a material made similar to glass fiber, but it is composed of the minerals plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine. It is similar to carbon fiber and fiberglass, having better mechanical properties than fiberglass and is 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 crushed basalt from quarry source. The basalt is simply washed and then melted. The molten rock is then extruded through small nozzles to produce continuous filaments of basalt fiber. Unlike glass fiber, no materials are added during manufacturing. Glass requires the mining of calcium carbonate to initiate a chemical process that produces reactant of CO2. It then requires the addition of limestone to add strength to the glass. These steps are not required to manufacture basalt, which leads to an overall lower carbon footprint and green technology.

Basalt offers superior thermal protection. It 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. Basalt is tough and durable and resistant to both acids and alkalis. Basalt absorbs high energy radiation, UV light, biologic and resists fungal contamination. We partner with our fiber manufacturing facilities, ensuring customers reliable, consistent supply of fiber products at predictable prices.

Basalt 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. 

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.

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