E-glass fibre

Overview of E-glass fibre

As early as 1930, the first large-scale industrial application of E-glass fibre was the insulation of electrical conductors subjected to high temperatures. E-glass thread is the most used, whether in the textile industry or for composites, its share reaching 90% of reinforcements. A high-end fibre, it is characterised by its resistance to continuous high temperatures of up to 550°C and its excellent electrical insulation properties. E-glass fibre is rot-proof, can withstand the main chemical agents and remains dimensionally stable, even under intense variations of humidity and temperature.

Glass fibres with a filament diameter of more than 9 μm cause irritation of the skin, so we only offer glass fibres with a filament diameter of 6 or 9 μm.

The E-glass fibre products we offer complement Newtex's range of textured fibreglass products.

Manufacturing

Boron oxide is added to silica, lime, alumina and magnesia, while alkaline oxides are excluded, in order to obtain the fibreglass. This composition is then ignited and at around 800°C, the molten paste begins to take on a viscous consistency, then liquid: it vitrifies.

At 1400°C, it is almost homogeneous, but the last bubbles and impurities only disappear from the glass at 1500°C. When refined, the molten mass is perfectly transparent when it leaves the furnace and the mass is passed through dies (platinum alloy plates pierced with hundreds of holes) to produce a glass thread. This thread is then sized, wound and dried.

Other types of glass include : 

• R glass, high mechanical performance: This type of filament was created at the request of advanced sectors such as aviation, space and munitions. It meets the specifications of material resistance to fatigue, temperature or humidity. Thanks to its high technical performance, it can be used to strengthen helicopter blades, aircraft floors, rocket fuel tanks, and missiles and their launchers.
• D glass, excellent dielectric characteristics: D-based glass composites, which have very low dielectric losses, are therefore used as a permeable material for electromagnetic waves with enormous advantages in terms of electrical properties.
• AR Glass, Alkali Resistant: AR glass is specially developed for the reinforcement of standard cement mortars. The high zirconium oxide content makes it resistant to the alkaline compounds generated during solidification.
• C Glass: C Glass is used for the production of glass veils requiring corrosion resistant properties (external protection of pipes, protective layer of composite pipes).

Mechanical and physical properties

E-glass fibre products are particularly resistant to abrasion and vibration and have excellent flexibility. The glass thread has a higher specific resistance (tensile strength/volumetric mass) than that of steel. This feature makes it possible to develop glass threads that reinforce high performance composites.

Electrical and acoustic properties

Its excellent electrical insulation properties, even at low thickness, combined with its mechanical strength and its behaviour at different temperatures, were the basis for the first applications of the glass thread.

Thermal properties

E glass fibre has low thermal conductivity. For felt, for example, conductivity is 0.03 W/m.K. The fibre can withstand temperatures of over 600°C and is non-combustible.

Chemical resistance

Fibrous E glass products are resistant to oils, solvents and most chemical agents. They are also rot-proof.

Dimensional stability

Glass thread is insensitive to variations in temperature and humidity and has a low expansion coefficient.

Advantages

• Inorganic
• Good resistance to abrasion and vibrations
• Incombustible
• Rot-resistant
• Resistant to the main chemical agents
• Excellent dielectric strength
• Excellent dimensional stability
• Compatible with organic dies

Applications of E-glass fibre

• Electrical insulation
• Thermal insulation
• Various reinforcement
• Composite products
• Transport
• Buildings
• Aeronautics
• Sealing for oven doors
• Sealing for piping
• Protection of cables, sheaths and pipes
• Insulation
• Induction coil protection

Available product :

Our threads

We offer sewing threads for the manufacture of thermal protection or thermal, dielectric or chemical insulation solutions. 

Rolls

Rolls consist of an outer sheath made of 9 μm E-glass fibre and a ceramic fibre core, suitable for high temperature applications. They have excellent mechanical, thermal and dielectric properties. They are available in round or square sections. Rolls are mainly used as seals for the insulation of industrial furnaces and in the metallurgical industry.

Other dimensions are available on request.

Felts 

Needled fibreglass felts are made of thermally stable, cut E-glass fibre in accordance with standard DIN1259. This felt has excellent mechanical, chemical and dielectric properties. In addition, it can withstand a continuous temperature of 550°C, and can be reinforced with a layer of aluminium to withstand radiant heat up to 1650°C. They are mainly used in the naval and automotive industries for thermal and acoustic insulation.

Braids and ropes

To complement the Newtex range, we also supply braids and cords in square or rectangular cuts of E-glass fibre. These products are available with dimensions ranging from 4x4 mm to 60x60mm (6x4mm to 60x25 mm for rectangular sections). Please contact us for further details.