Basalt fiber: characteristics and practical application

The decision of a question of a heat insulation of buildings became especially actual after increase of cost of heating. Indeed, the main task is to reduce the consumption of stored energy for street heating. As a result of this, the demand for heaters increased substantially, while the production of which uses basalt fiber.

Production

In contrast to many modern polymer materials, only natural raw materials are used in the manufacture of the insulation in question. The basis of production technology was the property of basalt rocks of igneous origin to swell and to pass into a viscous state.

When the rock is affected by a temperature of the order of 1700 ° C, the above processes occur. As a result, using a special equipment, a thin basalt fiber is obtained, from which a layer of insulation is subsequently formed. To create a homogeneous layer, chemical additives and natural binder components are added to the formulation. Additional elements do not degrade the characteristics that a basalt fiber possesses. Heat insulation after the final processing acquires unique properties, which became the reason for its use for thermal insulation of buildings.

Characteristics

As a result of production, basalt fiber becomes an effective thermal insulation material. The advantages of using it are based on unique technical characteristics. Thanks to them the area of application of the material is now quite wide - from the warming of the facades of buildings to shipbuilding.

The main parameters that a basalt fiber insulation has is as follows:

• Fire safety. The material does not burn and does not support this process.
• Low coefficient of thermal conductivity. This became possible thanks to numerous closed pores.
• Safety for people. The material does not emit toxic fumes when exposed to high temperature or humidity.
• It is not the basis for the growth of fungus or mold. This is important to take into account when concealed installation of insulation.
• Resistant to many chemicals.

Together, the above properties allow the use of basalt insulation in many technical and construction areas.

Application

Initially, basalt fiber was developed as an effective heat insulator in industrial production. But later the scope of its application has significantly expanded. At present, the basalt insulation has become an obligatory component for thermal insulation of the facades of buildings, both internal and external walls.

In addition, it was used to produce new efficient chimneys made of stainless steel. In their design, a basalt heat insulator prevents the formation of moisture inside the pipe.

To maintain the integrity of steel structures use very dense insulation models. They not only maintain the desired temperature level, but also improve the process of output of excess moisture.

Installation

How to install basalt fiber? To do this, it is necessary to analyze the insulation site, and in particular - the material for making the walls. If there is a possibility of moisture penetration, then before the installation of basalt fiber, the waterproofing procedure is performed.

Then you can proceed to the work itself. For the insulation of the facades of buildings, slabs of basaltic insulation are used, which can be fixed using special dowels-umbrellas. Upon completion of installation, the surface is covered with a waterproofing layer and decorative material.

It is worth noting that the cost of basalt insulation with respect to other types of thermal insulation is high. But unique qualities and absolute safety for human health become the determining factors in choosing.