Glass Fibers and Fiberglass Fabrics Information

Glass fibers and fiberglass fabric consist of bulk, chopped fibers or continuous strands of glass. Glass fibers and fiberglass fabric is used in reinforcing plastics and composites as well as other specialized electrical and thermal applications. Fiberglass cloth is frequently used to reinforce other plastic materials. Glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) or glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GRE) are commonly called fiberglass.

 

The glass fiber used to create fiberglass material is made by extruding very thin strands of silica-based monofilament. Glass is a unique amorphous solid, meaning it doesn’t have an underlying crystalline structure in the solid state, but rather behaves like a very viscous liquid. Glass fiber lends itself to woven fabric because the thin fibers can easily bend. Fabric made of glass fibers has high tensile strength, dimensional stability, high heat and fire resistance, as well as resistance to many chemical compounds. Fiberglass fabric is also used to dissipate heat, and has electrical properties that make it useful in electronic components.

 

Applications

Glass fibers and fiberglass fabrics are commonly used in composite construction, including materials used in boat building. Light weight fiberglass cloth is used with a resin to produce a waterproof surface. Heavier woven fiberglass fabric can be used for greater strength and rigidity.

 

Glass fibers and fiberglass fabrics are also used to create combination or specialty fabrics. Glass fibers and fiberglass fabric may be combined with carbon fiber or aramid fibers to make laminates and moldable fabrics for canoes, kayaks, and other high strength, low weight applications.

 

Standards

Glass fibers and fiberglass fabrics must adhere to certain standards and specifications to ensure proper design and functionality.

 

Delphi DX300340 – This specification covers the properties of a Polyamide 6, 40% glass filled, impact resistance modified injection molding grade used for the manufacture of parts that require high stiffness and toughness under extreme conditions (Example: airbag containers).

 

GMW15890 – This specification covers the properties of polypropylene reinforced with long glass fibers. It covers injection molding types for manufacturing of technical parts requiring high structural stiffness.

 

JIS C 6832 – This standard specifies the dimensions, transmission requirements, mechanical requirements, environmental requirements and the test methods of silica glass multimode optical fibers using silica glass as a core and a cladding.

 

Taiwan Electric Insulator Co. Ltd. is a world leading manufacturer of fiberglass fabrics and composite materials, with the technology, knowledge and ability to produce the highest grade composite material to specific customers’ needs and requirements. Welcome to visit TEI’s website to learn more information about fiberglass fabrics, and feel free to contact with us.

 

 

Article Source: http://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/materials_chemicals_adhesives/composites_textiles_reinforcements/glass_fibers_fiberglass_cloth

Applications and Overview about Fiberglass Cloth

There are a variety of applications for industrial fabrics when weight, strength, and durability are important, and one common solution to these needs is fiberglass cloth. Fiberglass cloth is a strong and durable woven textile used mainly for industrial, non-apparel applications. Its unique set of valuable properties makes it ideal for many industrial uses, such as for the interiors of circuit boards and conveyor belts.

 

Fiberglass cloth is woven in various configurations from four basic weave patterns, called plain, leno, satin, and basket. It is sold in rolls that range in length from 150 feet (45 meters) to 9,000 feet (2740 meters), and in many different widths. It also offers a wide choice of controlled properties depending on the industry it will be used in.

 

Fiberglass clothes have numerous applications as thermal insulation, electrical insulation in the electronics industry, and even as a component in armor plating on U.S. Military vehicles, helmets, and aircraft carrier decks. Light-weight cloths also provide a smooth finish and are ideal for producing a waterproof layer over wood or other surfaces, such as are needed in boat repair and other marine applications.

 

Perhaps the most notable quality of fiberglass cloth itself is its high tolerance of extreme heat. It not only dissipates radiant heat with remarkable efficiency, but some types of cloth can withstand temperatures of up to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit (1648 degrees C) for as long as a minute. Another notable attribute of fiberglass fabric is its high tensile strength. At a much lower weight and cost, it has a greater tensile strength than steel wire of similar diameter. Also, fiberglass cloth is composed of inorganic materials, making it impervious to damage from sunlight, bacteria, or fungus of any kind.

 

Glass fibers are known to produce fabrics with excellent dimensional stability as well, meaning that fiberglass fabric stretches only very minimally under stress- usually about three percent or less. Like glass itself, fiberglass is highly resistant to most harsh industrial chemicals. Oddly enough, despite its resilience and resistance to almost every possible type of industrial hazard, it is important that fiberglass cloth be rolled onto a tube for shipment, and not folded, regardless of how large or small the order may be. Folding it for shipment can damage the cloth where it is creased. If this one precaution is followed, the structural integrity of the fabric will be preserved to provide strength or protection in whatever context it is needed for.

 

Taiwan Electric Insulator Co. Ltd. (TEI) is a world leading manufacturer of composite fabrics and fiberglass cloth, with the technology, knowledge and ability to produce the highest grade products to specific customers’ needs and requirements. If you are interested in or need further information about fiberglass cloth, welcome to visit our website and feel free to contact TEI to obtain more details!

 

Article Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-fiberglass-cloth.htm