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On the other hand, in spite of their favourable properties, natural fibres have a
few disadvantages like the lack of thermal stability, strength degradation, water
absorption and poor impact properties.
2.6.1 Basalt fibre
Basalt fibre is a reinforcement made of basalt rock, which is a common grey or
black coloured volcanic rock. This kind of fibres are environmentally friendly, less
hazardous and can be produced by a similar process to glass. Due to the rapid cooling
of lava, basalt fibres are fine-grained and can be produced by melting basalt rock at
temperature between 1300 to 1700 °C with no other additives. During processing, only
small energy is required due to the ease of manufacturing process [49]. Figure 2.8
presents an image of basalt rock and Figure 2.9 presents an image of basalt fibre,
respectively. General properties of the basalt fibre as shown in Table 2.7. Basalt fibres
have special characteristics, such as chemical stability, non-toxic, non-combustible
and high-temperature resistance, which are comparable to specific mechanical
properties of E-glass [50]. Basalt fibres are typically used in the fabrication of engine
insulation, automotive parts, pipes, bars, frictional materials, constructions of concrete
reinforcements and sound insulators.
Figure 2.8 Basalt rock
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