Silica fiber

Technology for Manufacturing Silica fiber.

Water-containing water glass fibers are disclosed, substantially free from non-alkaline compounds and having a water content of from about 15 to 30% by weight, a tear strength of from about 5 to 30 cN/tex, a ratio of alkaline oxide to Silicon dioxide of from about 1:3 to 1:1.9, an amorphous structure and a density of from about 2 g/cm³ to 2.5 g/cm³. The fibers are preferably cut into lengths of from 1 to 40 mm. They may be used for subsequent production of silica fibers, a technique more advantageous than producing the latter from a melt containing SiO₂ or by acid-leaching of glass fibers. The silica fibers are useful for producing wet webs, filter linings and reinforcing material.

Applications

Silica fiber is used in heat protection (including asbestos substitution) and in packings and compensators.