Basalt fiber is a high-performance inorganic fiber derived directly from molten basalt rock, a volcanic material abundant in nature. Through a sophisticated melting and extrusion process, the basalt rock is transformed into continuous filaments that possess a remarkable combination of strength, durability, and thermal resistance. Unlike glass or carbon fibers, which require a mix of raw materials, basalt fiber's single-component origin from natural rock gives it unique inherent properties, making it a superior material for demanding applications in construction, automotive, aerospace, and composite manufacturing.
Kaxite has pioneered advanced manufacturing techniques to produce basalt fiber that sets the industry benchmark. Our fibers offer a compelling alternative to traditional materials.
Our product line is engineered for precision and consistency. Below are the detailed specifications for our standard continuous basalt fiber offerings.
| Parameter | Standard Grade | High-Strength Grade | High-Modulus Grade | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filament Diameter | 9 - 13 µm | 9 - 11 µm | 10 - 13 µm | ISO 1888 |
| Tensile Strength | 3000 - 3200 MPa | 3400 - 3800 MPa | 2800 - 3000 MPa | ASTM D2343 |
| Elastic Modulus | 85 - 90 GPa | 88 - 92 GPa | 95 - 105 GPa | ASTM D2343 |
| Elongation at Break | 3.0 - 3.3 % | 3.2 - 3.5 % | 2.6 - 2.9 % | ASTM D2343 |
| Density | 2.65 - 2.70 g/cm³ | 2.66 - 2.70 g/cm³ | 2.68 - 2.72 g/cm³ | ISO 1183 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.030 - 0.038 W/m·K | 0.030 - 0.036 W/m·K | 0.032 - 0.040 W/m·K | ASTM C518 |
| Continuous Use Temperature | -260°C to +650°C | -260°C to +680°C | -260°C to +700°C | ASTM D3045 |
| Sizing | Epoxy, Silane, or Custom | Epoxy, Silane | High-Temp Resistant | - |
Q: How is basalt fiber different from fiberglass?
A: While both are inorganic fibers, they originate from different materials. Fiberglass is made from a mixture of silica sand, limestone, and other minerals, whereas basalt fiber is produced from a single raw material: molten basalt rock. This gives Kaxite basalt fiber a natural advantage in terms of higher tensile strength, better thermal stability (especially at high temperatures), superior chemical resistance (particularly to alkalis), and a more eco-friendly profile due to its simpler, less energy-intensive production process.
Q: Can basalt fiber replace carbon fiber?
A: It depends on the application. Carbon fiber has a higher stiffness (modulus) and is lighter, making it critical for ultra-high-performance aerospace and sporting goods. However, Kaxite basalt fiber offers a compelling alternative in many areas due to its broader operating temperature range, better chemical stability, superior impact resistance, and significantly lower cost. It is an excellent choice for automotive components, fire protection, marine structures, and industrial composites where a balance of performance, durability, and cost is essential.
Q: Is basalt fiber resistant to corrosion in concrete?
A: Yes, this is one of its standout features. Kaxite basalt fiber demonstrates exceptional resistance to the alkaline environment of concrete, unlike E-glass fiber which degrades over time. This makes our basalt fiber reinforcing meshes, rebar, and chopped strands an ideal, durable solution for concrete structures, increasing their service life, reducing maintenance, and preventing cracking.
Q: What are the primary applications of Kaxite basalt fiber?
A: The applications are vast and growing:
Construction: Reinforcement for concrete (rebar, mesh, chopped fiber), fireproof textiles, insulation materials.
Automotive: Lightweight composite parts, brake pads, heat shields, underbody protection.
Marine: Boat hulls, decks, and other components requiring corrosion resistance.
Industrial: High-temperature filtration fabrics, protective clothing, composite pipes and tanks.
Infrastructure: Repair and strengthening of bridges, roads, and tunnels with composite wraps and grids.
Q: How sustainable is basalt fiber production?
A: Kaxite is committed to sustainable manufacturing. Basalt fiber production is inherently more environmentally friendly than many synthetic fibers. The raw material (basalt rock) is abundant and requires no mining additives. The melting process is direct and typically uses less energy than glass fiber production. Furthermore, the production generates no harmful by-products, and the final product is non-toxic, inert, and fully recyclable, contributing to a circular economy.
Q: Does Kaxite provide custom basalt fiber solutions?
A: Absolutely. While we offer a comprehensive range of standard products, our technical team specializes in developing custom solutions. We can engineer specific filament diameters, apply specialized sizings for optimal bonding with your matrix material (polymer, cement, etc.), and produce unique product forms like hybrid yarns or pre-impregnated tapes to meet the precise requirements of your project or innovation.
Q: How does the cost of basalt fiber compare to other reinforcement fibers?
A: Kaxite basalt fiber is typically positioned between standard E-glass fiber and carbon fiber in terms of cost. It is more expensive than E-glass but offers significantly better performance, making it a cost-effective upgrade. It is considerably less expensive than carbon fiber, providing a high-performance alternative for applications where carbon's extreme properties are not strictly necessary, thus offering an excellent return on investment through improved durability and longevity.
