Basalt fiber is a high-performance continuous filament material manufactured directly from molten basaltic rock. This volcanic rock is exceptionally abundant globally, making it a sustainable and readily available raw material. The production process is elegantly simple and environmentally conscious: the basalt rock is merely washed, crushed, and then melted at high temperatures (approximately 1,400°C - 1,600°C). The molten basalt is then extruded through specialized platinum-rhodium bushings to create fine, continuous filaments. These filaments are subsequently gathered into strands, coated with a sizing agent for compatibility with various matrices (like resins or concrete), and wound onto bobbins. Unlike glass or carbon fiber production, which involves significant chemical synthesis and higher energy consumption, basalt fiber fabrication is a one-step, direct melt process with no secondary materials added, resulting in a lower environmental footprint.
The resulting fiber exhibits a remarkable combination of properties that bridge the gap between traditional E-glass and more expensive carbon fibers. It offers superior tensile strength, excellent resistance to corrosion and alkalis, outstanding thermal stability, and exceptional resistance to UV radiation and water absorption. At Kaxite, we have refined this process over years to produce basalt fibers that consistently meet the highest standards of quality and performance for demanding industrial applications.
Kaxite's basalt fiber products are engineered to deliver optimal performance across a diverse range of applications. Our rigorous quality control ensures every batch meets precise specifications. Below are the detailed parameters for our standard continuous basalt fiber roving and chopped strands.
Our primary product line, ideal for pultrusion, filament winding, weaving, and as a reinforcement in thermoplastic compounds.
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filament Diameter | 9 µm, 13 µm, 17 µm | Standard offerings; custom diameters available. |
| Tex (Linear Density) | 600 tex, 1200 tex, 2400 tex | Defines mass in grams per 1000 meters of strand. |
| Tensile Strength | > 3000 MPa | ASTM D2343. Exceeds standard E-glass. |
| Elastic Modulus | 89 - 95 GPa | ASTM D2343. ~25% higher than E-glass. |
| Elongation at Break | 3.1 - 3.2% | ASTM D2343. |
| Density | 2.65 - 2.80 g/cm³ | Similar to glass fiber, lighter than steel. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -260°C to +700°C | Short-term peak up to 850°C possible. |
| Moisture Absorption | < 0.1% | Significantly lower than glass fibers. |
| Sizing / Coupling Agent | Epoxy-compatible, Vinyl Ester, PP/PA Compatible | Custom sizing formulations available upon request. |
Widely used in concrete, mortar, plastics, friction materials, and asphalt mixes.
Kaxite also supplies woven fabrics made from our continuous yarns, used in fireproof textiles, composite laminates, and insulation.
Selecting Kaxite basalt fiber means investing in a material that provides a superior performance-to-cost ratio and aligns with modern sustainability goals.
The versatility of Kaxite basalt fiber allows it to be a transformative material across numerous industries.
| Industry | Application Examples | Benefits Realized |
|---|---|---|
| Construction & Infrastructure | Reinforcement for concrete (BCF), rebar, mesh, structural strengthening fabrics, asphalt overlay, plaster reinforcement. | Crack control, increased toughness, corrosion resistance, extended service life of structures. |
| Automotive & Transportation | Composite parts (body panels, leaf springs), brake pads, heat shields, acoustic insulation, muffler wraps. | Weight reduction, improved fuel efficiency, high-temperature resistance, noise dampening, enhanced safety. |
| Marine | Boat hulls, decks, panels, other composite structures. | Superior resistance to saltwater corrosion, reduced maintenance, high strength-to-weight ratio. |
| Fire Protection | Fire blankets, protective curtains for welding, fire-resistant doors and panels, insulation for pipes and cables. | Non-combustible, excellent thermal insulation, maintains integrity under direct flame. |
| Wind Energy | Reinforcement in wind turbine blades (often in hybrid composites). | High fatigue resistance, good specific strength, durability in harsh environmental conditions. |
| Filtration | High-temperature filter bags for industrial power plants, cement works, incinerators. | Resists chemical attack and high temperatures, long service life in aggressive environments. |
| Consumer Goods & Sports | Skis, snowboards, bicycles, fishing rods, laptop cases. | Lightweight, strong, durable, and provides excellent vibration damping. |
Q: How does basalt fiber compare to fiberglass (E-glass)?
A: Basalt fiber generally offers 15-25% higher tensile strength and modulus than standard E-glass. It has significantly better chemical resistance, especially to alkaline environments, making it far superior for concrete reinforcement. Its operating temperature range is wider, and it absorbs less moisture. While slightly more expensive than basic E-glass, its enhanced performance and durability often lead to a better total cost of ownership.
Q: How does basalt fiber compare to carbon fiber?
A: Carbon fiber has a much higher tensile strength and modulus (stiffness) than basalt fiber, making it the choice for ultra-high-performance applications like aerospace and top-tier sports equipment. However, basalt fiber has better resistance to impact and compression, is non-conductive, has superior fire resistance, and is significantly less expensive. Basalt is an excellent alternative where the extreme properties of carbon are not required, but performance beyond glass is needed.
Q: Is basalt fiber safe to handle and environmentally friendly?
A: Yes. Basalt fiber is made from natural volcanic rock and does not contain additives like boron or other heavy metals sometimes found in specialty glass fibers. The fibers are biosoluble, meaning they break down in physiological fluids over time, posing a lower health risk than some refractory ceramic fibers. From an environmental standpoint, its production is less energy-intensive than glass or carbon fiber, and the raw material is inexhaustible.
Q: Can Kaxite basalt fiber be used with all types of resins?
A: Kaxite basalt fibers are supplied with specific sizing (coating) formulations to ensure optimal bonding with different resin systems. We offer standard sizings compatible with epoxy, vinyl ester, polyester, and polypropylene/polyamide thermoplastics. For specialized resin systems, we can develop and apply custom sizings to guarantee the best possible interfacial adhesion and composite performance.
Q: What are the typical forms of basalt fiber available from Kaxite?
A: Kaxite provides a comprehensive portfolio:
Q: How do I store and handle Kaxite basalt fiber products?
A: Store products in a cool, dry place in their original, unopened packaging to prevent moisture absorption and contamination. Avoid direct sunlight. For chopped fibers, ensure the bags are sealed when not in use. Standard personal protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, and in some cases a dust mask when handling loose chopped fibers) is recommended during handling to prevent minor skin or respiratory irritation.
Q: Can you provide technical support for integrating basalt fiber into our manufacturing process?
A: Absolutely. Kaxite's technical support team has extensive experience in composite materials and applications. We offer consultation on material selection (fiber form, sizing), process parameter recommendations for your specific equipment (e.g., pultrusion line settings), and can assist with initial trials and troubleshooting to ensure a successful integration and optimal results.
Q: Does Kaxite offer custom product development?
A: Yes, custom development is a core strength at Kaxite. We work closely with clients to develop bespoke solutions. This can include custom filament diameters, unique tex (linear density) values, specialized sizing formulations for novel matrices, specific chopped lengths, and tailored fabric architectures. Contact our sales engineering team to discuss your specific requirements.
