Chopped Basalt Fiber for Concrete and Composite Reinforcement
Chopped basalt fiber is a reinforcement material produced from natural basalt and supplied as short fibers with a clean surface and without sizing. It is used in building mixtures and composite materials, including fire-resistant and other coatings, as well as mineral foam materials.
The fiber provides distributed reinforcement throughout the material, helping to improve crack resistance, toughness, and resistance to mechanical and environmental loads.
Basalt fiber is mineral-based, non-metallic, and resistant to water, alkaline and acidic environments. Its combination of mechanical performance, chemical resistance, and good adhesion to cementitious matrices makes it suitable for a wide range of reinforcement applications.
Technical Characteristics
Chopped basalt fiber can be produced in a broad range of dimensions depending on the intended application.
Typical fiber parameters:
Fiber diameter: approximately 20–120 μm
Fiber length: approximately 2–30 mm
Fiber can also be produced with other geometries for specific applications, including diameters greater than 200 μm and lengths up to 3,000 mm.
Performance in Cementitious Materials
One of the important characteristics of chopped basalt fiber is its ability to disperse throughout the cement matrix.
Because the density of basalt fiber is close to that of the cementitious matrix, the fiber is less prone to gravitational segregation. This helps the fiber remain distributed throughout the material rather than settling toward the bottom of a concrete element, as can occur with heavier metallic reinforcement due to gravitational effects.
The fiber contributes to reinforcement without the plastic deformation associated with conventional steel reinforcement. Research has demonstrated improved deformation behavior of cement reinforced with basalt fiber, together with a high degree of adhesion between the fiber and the cement matrix.
The fiber–matrix interface is characterized by close contact between the basalt fiber surface and the cement matrix, supporting effective transfer of stresses from the matrix to the reinforcement.
Key Advantages
High Chemical Resistance
Resistant to water, alkaline and acidic environments.
Good Adhesion to Cement Matrix
The fiber forms close contact with the cement matrix, supporting effective reinforcement.
Distributed Reinforcement
Short fibers can be dispersed throughout the material, providing reinforcement in multiple directions.
High Mechanical Performance
Tensile strength can reach approximately 1500 MPa, depending on fiber type.
Suitable for Demanding Environments
Basalt fiber reinforcement is applicable where resistance to water, abrasion, thermal shock, and aggressive environments is important.
Applications
Chopped basalt fiber can be used as dispersed reinforcement in a wide range of cementitious and composite materials.
Concrete and Mortar
Applications include:
- concrete mixtures;
- reinforced concrete products;
- mortars;
- sprayed concrete;
- self-leveling floors;
- precast concrete products;
- paving slabs;
- road slabs;
- railway sleepers;
- foundation piles.
Infrastructure
Chopped basalt fiber can be used in applications where concrete is exposed to significant mechanical, environmental, or cyclic loads, including:
- bridges;
- roads with heavy traffic;
- tunnels and mines;
- hydraulic structures;
- airport runways;
- earthquake-resistant construction;
- structures exposed to abrasion and thermal shock.
Special Applications
Applications may also include:
- structures exposed to shock and alternating loads;
- thin-walled and complex-shaped structures;
- structures requiring improved water resistance;
- structures requiring increased abrasion resistance;
- structures requiring improved thermal-shock resistance;
- facilities with increased fire-safety requirements.
Fiber Selection
The appropriate fiber diameter and length depend on the material, production process, and required reinforcement effect.
Different applications may require different combinations of:
Fiber diameter → Fiber length → Dosage → Matrix → Mixing process
The selection should therefore be based on the intended application and the requirements of the final product.
For Manufacturers and Industrial Users
Chopped basalt fiber is intended for manufacturers of concrete, mortar, mineral foam, coatings, and composite products who require mineral reinforcement with good mechanical performance, chemical resistance, and compatibility with cementitious matrices.
It can be incorporated into existing production processes where the mixing technology is suitable for dispersed fiber reinforcement.
Chopped Basalt Fiber from Mineral 7
Mineral 7 produces chopped basalt fiber for industrial applications and can supply fiber with characteristics selected according to the requirements of the final product and production process.
If you are interested in chopped basalt fiber produced by Mineral 7 for your product or application, please contact us to discuss the required fiber characteristics, dimensions, and application requirements.
Email: sales@fiberbas.com
