Basalt, a volcanic rock formed From the rapid cooling of lava basaltic, represents one of the most common types of igneous rocks, found in many parts of the world. Its distinctive fine-grained texture and generally dark color, ranging from gray to black, characterize it. Composed mainly of minerals such as plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene and olivine, basalt provides a rich and robust geological foundation. Despite the great availability of this rock in the mines and quarries around the world, only a dozen of them presents a basalt whose composition has been analyzed and qualified as suitable for the production of thin continuous filaments.
BASALT | GLASS | CARBON | |
---|---|---|---|
Sustainability and environmental impact. | High sustainability-low impact | Low sustainability-high impact | Low sustainability-high impact |
Greenhouse gas dispersion | NO, 0% dispersion from raw material to finished product | Yes, about 30-40% of the gross weight of the raw material disperses into gas and dust | |
Power and water consumption during the production process | LOW | HIGH | HIGH |
Tensile strength (MPa) | 4000-4900 | 3400-4500 | |
Heat resistance (maximum use temperature) | 982°C | 650°C | |
Melting point | 1450°C | 1120°C | |
Thermal stability (temperature at which you can work) | From -260°C to 820°C | 480°C | |
Fire resistance | 1200°C for 2 hours maintains 90% of characteristics | 1000°C for 2 hours partially molten | |
Insulation properties (thermal) W/m K | 0.031-0.038 | 0.034-0.04 | |
Corrosion resistance | Inalterable | Alterable | Alterable |
Chemical resistance (acids) | Inalterable - weight loss= -7.1% | Alterable-weight loss= -38.5% | |
Chemical Resistance (alkali) | Inalterable - weight loss= -0.15% | Alterable-weight loss= -4.5% | |
Resistance in wet environments | Inalterable= 0% water absorption | Alterable | |
Magnetic resistance (not conductivity) | Non-conductive | Conductive | |
Durability | High durability | Medium durability | |
Density (kg/m3) | 2600-2800 | 2500-2600 | |
Last deformation | 3%-3,5% | 4%-5% | |
Residual resistance (max temperature) | 600°C | 200°C | |
Cost efficiency |
Basalt is used in the production of composite materials, in industrial thermal insulation
and in the production of fire-resistant fabrics.
In the construction industry, it plays a crucial role as reinforcement for concrete,
in road paving and seismic structures. Its versatile properties also make it the material
of choice for various other applications.
Basalt, a natural volcanic rock, is emerging as a crucial resource in the landscape of sustainability and corporate ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy. This versatile material offers multiple benefits that extend beyond its physical characteristics.
DISCOVER MORE