Mineral Basalt Reinforcement for Coatings and Composite Materials
Basalt scales and flakes are thin mineral particles produced from natural basalt. They are used as a mineral reinforcing component in protective coatings, composite materials and other products where resistance to wear, abrasion, chemicals and corrosion is required.
Mineral 7 has developed the technology and equipment for the production of basalt scales and flakes from natural basalt raw materials. The technology makes it possible to produce basalt scale with controlled dimensions and properties for industrial applications.
Basalt Scale Characteristics
Typical characteristics of the basalt scale include:
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 2–20 μm |
| Surface area | 0.5–4.5 m²/g |
| Bulk density | approximately 45 kg/m³ |
| Density | 1.2–1.8 g/cm2 |
| Operating temperature, long-term | −200 to +800 °C |
| Maximum application temperature | approximately 700–720 °C |
| Short-term application temperature | 1000–1100 °C |
| Resistance to acids | approximately 85–94% |
| Resistance to alkalis | approximately 93–96% |
Actual product characteristics depend on the basalt raw material and production conditions.
Basalt Scale in Protective Coatings
The structure of basalt scale makes it suitable for use as a mineral reinforcing component in protective coatings.
When incorporated into a coating, the thin basalt particles can form overlapping layers within the coating structure. This creates a more effective barrier against penetration of aggressive media and contributes to improved resistance to wear, abrasion, corrosion and chemical attack.
Basalt scale can therefore be used in coatings where long-term protection of the underlying material is required.
Coatings containing basalt scale can be applied by spraying, allowing the material to be incorporated into high-performance industrial coating processes.
Performance of Basalt Scale-Based Materials
Materials reinforced with basalt scale can provide a combination of:
- wear resistance;
- abrasion resistance;
- chemical resistance;
- corrosion resistance;
- thermal resistance;
- incombustibility;
- improved durability of protective coatings.
The technical data indicate that reinforcement with basalt scale can significantly increase the service performance of protective paint coatings. For certain coating systems, improvements in wear and chemical resistance may reach several times compared with unreinforced coatings.
Basalt-scale-reinforced plastics have also demonstrated increased durability, with reported increases of approximately 2–3 times depending on the material and application.
The actual performance depends on the matrix, formulation, basalt scale content, application method and operating conditions.
Applications
Basalt scales and flakes can be used in mineral-reinforced coatings and composite materials for demanding industrial environments.
Petrochemical Industry
Potential applications include:
- chemical-resistant protective coatings for tanks;
- wear-resistant coatings for pipelines and oil pipelines;
- corrosion-resistant protective systems;
- incombustible coatings;
- composite materials reinforced with basalt scale.
Shipbuilding and Marine Structures
Basalt-scale-reinforced coatings can be used for:
- ship hulls;
- deck structures;
- marine equipment;
- corrosion protection;
- protection against wear and fouling.
The available technical data indicate that basalt-scale reinforcement can substantially extend the service life of protective coating systems used on ships.
Ports and Offshore Structures
Potential applications include protective materials for:
- port structures;
- offshore oil and gas platforms;
- marine structures exposed to aggressive environments;
- equipment operating in contact with seawater and other corrosive media.
Construction and Infrastructure
Basalt-scale-reinforced coatings can be used for:
- bridges;
- tunnels;
- reinforced concrete structures;
- critical infrastructure;
- waterproof protective systems;
- wear-resistant coatings;
- incombustible and heat-resistant coatings.
Power Engineering
Applications include protective systems for:
- power infrastructure;
- cooling towers;
- water-cooling structures;
- cooling ponds;
- equipment exposed to weathering and corrosion.
Technology and Equipment
Mineral 7 has engineering experience in the development of basalt scale production technology and the associated production equipment.
The production process is based on the processing of natural basalt raw material and is designed to obtain a thin mineral product with controlled characteristics suitable for subsequent use in coatings and composite materials.
The technology and equipment were developed for industrial production using the specific characteristics of the basalt raw material.
Partnership with RockFiber
Mineral 7 is a technology partner of RockFiber, for which the technology and production equipment for basalt scales and flakes were developed.
The technology was developed using the characteristics of RockFiber’s basalt raw material and resulted in an industrial product designed for use in protective coatings and composite materials.
RockFiber produces basalt scales and flakes using this technology.
Product inquiries can be addressed either to Mineral 7 or directly to RockFiber.
Product Inquiries
If you are interested in basalt scales and flakes for coatings, composite materials or other industrial applications, please contact us with information about your intended application and technical requirements.
Mineral 7
Technical and product inquiries: info@fiberbas.com
For direct product inquiries, you may also contact RockFiber.