company news about Fiberglass: from gravel to the “invisible skeleton” of modern technology

1. Conversion of raw materials to fibers

Fiberglass is an inorganic, non-metallic material made from drawn molten glass, usually a few microns to tens of microns in diameter. It combines the high strength of glass with the flexibility of fiber, and is widely used in industrial and civil applications.

- raw material component:

Quartz sand (providing SiO₂), limestone (providing CaO), soda ash (Na₂CO₃), boric acid (H₃BO₃).

- Chemical melting process:

Formation of homogeneous glass liquid at high temperature (1400-1600°C), drawing through platinum-rhodium alloy funnels at speeds up to 60 meters/second.
Drawing diameter: monofilament diameter 5-24 microns (about 1/5 of a hair strand).

2. Why is it called the “invisible skeleton”? --Key Characteristics

- Mechanical properties:

Tensile strength: E-glass about 3.4 GPa, S-glass up to 4.5 GPa (higher than ordinary steel).

Density: 2.5-2.7 g/cm³ (only 1/3 of the steel).

- Functional concealment:

Reinforcement in composites “invisible” to the resin matrix (e.g. 30-50% in wind turbine blades).

GFRP reinforcement as an alternative to steel reinforcement: does not corrode when embedded in concrete, extending the life of the building (used in part of the structure of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai).

3.Environmental challenges and future trends

- Recycling challenges:

Only 30% of waste fiberglass composites are recycled globally (main reason: difficult to separate resin).
Innovative solution: MTB (France) has developed a pyrolysis technology that recycles more than 90% of glass fibers.

- Green alternatives:

Bio-based resins + glass fibers (e.g. DSM's EcoPaXX range in the Netherlands).
Low carbon production: Oxyfuel technology to reduce melting energy consumption (15% reduction in CO₂ emissions).