Glass wool

The raw materials for the production of glass wool are sand , soda , dolomite , limestone , borax (or etibor ). Modern production uses up to 80% of cullet.

The main components are filled up in the bunker. Next comes the stage of melting the mass. Dispensers load the melting furnace in strict accordance with the formulation, so that when the temperature reaches 1400 ° C, the mixture has the specified mechanical properties to obtain the finest threads. The filaments are obtained by inflating steam of molten glass flying out of a centrifuge.

The process of fiber formation is accompanied by treatment with polymer aerosols. As a binder, aqueous solutions of the urea- modified phenol-aldehyde polymer are used. Spray impregnated thread falls onto the rolls. On the conveyor, it goes through several stages of alignment. A homogeneous fiberglass "carpet" is formed. Next comes the polymerization stage at a temperature of 250 ° C. High temperature is a catalyst for the formation of polymer bonds. Along the way, the remainder of the moisture obtained with the aerosol evaporates in the temperature chamber. After polymerization, the wool becomes solid and acquires an amber-yellow hue.

The next stage is cooling, where the glass wool cools to ambient temperature, after which it goes to cutting. Longitudinal cutters and cross saws cut endless tape into mats and rolls.

The resulting insulation has a large volume, since all is penetrated by air. Compression of finished products can significantly save space during transportation and storage. According to European standards, six times compression is provided. The elastic properties of thermal insulation are enough to completely restore the original size.

The properties of glass wool ( fiberglass ) differs from other types of mineral wool. Glass wool fiber has a thickness of 3-15 microns, and a length of at least 2-4 times greater than that of stone wool. Due to this, glass wool products have increased elasticity and strength. Glass wool practically does not contain non-fiber inclusions and has high vibration resistance.

Thermal conductivity - 0,030 ... 0,052 W / m · K.

The temperature resistance of glass wool is 450 ° C.

The disadvantage of glass wool is the increased fragility of the fibers, the sharp and thin fragments of which easily penetrate clothing (from which it is difficult to remove) and further into the skin , causing itching . Inhalation of air with fragments of glass wool fibers can cause long-term lung irritation, since they exit the lungs very slowly. Glass fiber fibers in the eyes are also dangerous.

To prevent these phenomena, work with glass wool should be carried out in tight overalls that do not leave open areas of the body, tarpaulin mittens , goggles and a respirator .

Glasswool First Aid

• If glass wool gets on your skin, you should never scratch it, so you only drive the debris into the skin.
• Try to gently shake the glass wool off your hair, lowering your head into the bath (without water), closing your eyes and shaking your head.
• Take a cold shower under high pressure without detergents. Do not rub the skin with washcloths, sponges, and do not use hot water, as it expands the pores of the skin.
• After taking a shower, do not dry yourself with a towel. Wait for the body to dry, and take a cold shower again, already with soap.
• If glass wool gets into your eyes, flush them with a strong stream of cold water. If irritation persists, immediately consult an ophthalmologist , preferably in an eye surgery clinic, or call an ambulance .
• If you breathe fragments of glass wool, in case of persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, etc., immediately consult a doctor.
• Glass contaminated clothing is best discarded. Even thorough repeated washing does not give a full guarantee of fiber removal.

The range of heat-insulating products using glass wool includes: soft mats and slabs, semi-rigid and rigid slabs with a synthetic binder, which can withstand significant loads. Rigid slabs lined with fiberglass are good wind protection. On the long sides of the plates, a tongue and groove connection is possible, which ensures reliable fastening and the absence of gaps. Soft fiberglass materials are typically pressed into rolls. Due to their high elasticity, they straighten and restore their original volume almost immediately after opening the package. It is possible to produce products with a sticker of additional layers (lining) - foil as a vapor barrier or fiberglass as wind protection (a layer that prevents fiber migration).

They are used for thermal insulation of building structures. Facing uneven surfaces, use in structures of any shape and configuration. Fields of application are almost the same as for mineral wool products. Also, it is widely used in aviation as a heat insulating material for pipelines, assemblies having a high temperature, for heat and sound insulation of cabins, etc.

Glass wool can be divided into two groups: roofing and wall. The first is used for horizontal surfaces. Available in the form of plates and rolls. Low strength. The second is used more often and is more durable. It is used for warming vertical surfaces.

Positive sides:

• Low cost
• Universal for transportation
• Well suited for uneven surfaces.
• Provides more continuous coverage

Negative sides:

• It is unsafe and inconvenient in work
• High thermal conductivity and low heat resistance
• Sits down

• Does not burn.