Glass fibre, also known as fibreglass, plays a crucial role in the fabrication of multiple components and objects made of composites that benefit our everyday lives. But what exactly is glass fibre, and where is it used? Let’s explore the basics of glass fibre, some of its most common uses, and where you can find it.
Because glass fibre itself is sometimes referred to as “fiberglass”, the resulting composite (matrix) is also called fiberglass-reinforced plastic or simply fibre reinforced plastic (FRP). In this article, we are using both of the terms ‘fibreglass’ and ‘glass fibre’ as interchangeable, referring to the glass reinforcing material, not the composite.
What is Fibreglass?
Fibreglass, is a lightweight and durable material made from very fine strands of glass that are woven together, arranged randomly on a reinforcing mat or present in a roving for spray-up applications:
The glass used to make glass fibre is usually silicate, such as quartz sand. These fibres are made by melting glass and then forcing it through tiny holes called spinnerets to create long, thin strands. Glass fibre has become an essential component for many things that enhance our everyday life.
Some physical and mechanical properties of glass fibre include:
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- Low thermal conductivity
- Dielectric permeability
- Corrosion resistance
- High-impact resistance
- Good chemical resistance
- High tensile strength
Types of Glass Fibre
The main types of glass fibre are E-glass, A-glass, S-glass, C-glass, and AE-glass.
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- E-glass or electrical glass is the most common glass fibre type.
- A-glass or alkali glass is used for its chemical resistance properties. In most countries, it is used to manufacture equipment.
- S-Glass or structural glass is used for its high strength and low coefficient of thermal expansion.
- C-Glass is widely used for its chemical resistance properties.
- AE-Glass is alkali-resistant glass.
In addition, glass fibre comes in different forms. The most common ones include the following:
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- Woven Cloth
- Chopped Strand Mat
- Chopper Gun Roving
- Tape
Where is Fibreglass Used?
Some common applications of glass fibre included:
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- Composites and Fibre Reinforced Plastics (FRP): Engineered composites integrate a thermosetting resin, a fibrous reinforcement such as glass fibre and mineral functional fillers as part of a matrix. Composites and FRP are utilised for the fabrication of: Swimming pools, spas, bathroom fittings, motor vehicle components for cars, caravans and trucks, signs and artwork, tanks, vessels and pipelines among many others.
- Insulation: Glass fibre is an excellent thermal and acoustic insulator. It is commonly used in insulation products such as batts, rolls, and blown-in insulation.
- Roofing: Glass fibre reinforced polyester (GRP) is a popular roofing material because it is strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. It can be moulded into different shapes and sizes to fit a wide range of roof designs.
- Concrete: Glass fibre is commonly used as a reinforcing material in concrete, plaster, and other building materials. It is also used as a structural material in the construction of buildings, bridges, slabs and other infrastructure.
- Electrical Insulation: Glass fibre is made from strands of glass spun into yarn. The yarn is then woven into a fabric. This fabric is used to make various products, including electrical insulators. Glass fibre has many properties that make it an ideal material for electrical insulation. It is non-conductive, meaning it does not allow electricity to flow through it. This makes it safe around electrical components and wires. Glass fibre is also solid and durable, making it suitable to withstand heat, wear and tear.
- Chemical Industry: In the chemical industry, fibreglass is used in various applications due to its resistance to chemicals. It is often used in storage tanks, pipes, and other items that constantly come into contact with corrosive chemicals. Fibreglass is also used in filters because it can trap small particles that other materials would let pass through.
Shop Quality Fiberglass From Bisley
Bisley is a leading supplier of quality glass fibre, resins and fillers dedicated to composites and FRP. Whether you want fibreglass tape for construction applications or fibreglass cloth for insulation and manufacturing applications, we have the materials needed. Contact us today to get help choosing the perfect fibreglass option for your project.