Continuous Glass Fibers for Reinforcement

An overview of the development of glass fiber technology for commercial use in reinforced composite applications is presented. We thus describe a broad spectrum of glass fiber technology, beginning with the early technology of E-glass fibers, still the predominant form of glass fibers in use today for reinforcements, and moving forward to the leading glass fiber developments driving new market applications. The evolution from fibers made by spinning of conventional soda-lime glasses into insulation fibers to an array of commercial reinforcing fiber compositions is discussed. The E-glass fiber compositions, which primarily lie within the CaO–Al2O3–SiO2–B2O3 system and were developed for their excellent electrical properties, are then examined, along with the accompanying suite of strength, stiffness, and lightweight properties that ignited the growth of the GRP composites industry. Changes in glass composition to drive specific attributes such as strength, modulus, dielectric constant, and acid corrosion resistance are reviewed, illustrating the developments of high-performance fibers. Surface chemistry elements, manufacturing process considerations, and product attributes are discussed. Market applications with breakdown by regions globally and major fiberglass producers at present are finally summarized.