Dr. B.R.

Ambedkar National Institute of

Technology, Jalandhar

MAN-MADE FIBRES
TOPIC- GLASS FIBER
HEMANTI JINKA || MANAN KUSHWAHA || MANVENDRA KANWAR || MUSKAN ||
PULKIT
Introduction to Glass Fibre
Glass fibre, also known as fibreglass, is a remarkable material that has revolutionized
numerous industries. Composed of extremely fine glass threads, this versatile material
combines remarkable strength, durability, and lightweight properties, making it an
essential component in a wide range of applications. From construction and
transportation to sporting goods and electronics, glass fibre has become an
indispensable part of modern life, enabling the creation of innovative and high-
performance products that shape our world.

The unique properties of glass fibre, such as its high tensile strength, corrosion
resistance, and thermal insulation capabilities, have made it a sought-after material in
various sectors. Its ability to be molded into complex shapes and its adaptability to
diverse manufacturing processes have further expanded its applications, allowing
engineers and designers to push the boundaries of what is possible. As technology
continues to evolve, the role of glass fibre in shaping the future becomes increasingly
vital, driving advancements in fields as diverse as renewable energy, aerospace
engineering, and medical equipment.
What is Glass Fibre?
Definition
Glass fibre is a material composed of
extremely fine glass fibres. These fibres are
typically made by drawing molten glass
into fine strands and then weaving or
matting them together to form a flexible,
durable, and lightweight material. Glass
fibre is known for its high strength-to-
weight ratio, excellent insulation
properties, and resistance to heat,
chemicals, and corrosion.
Composition
The primary component of glass fibre is
silica (silicon dioxide), which accounts for
around 50-60% of the composition. Other
materials, such as aluminium oxide,
calcium oxide, and magnesium oxide, are
added in smaller amounts to improve the
fibre's properties, such as its tensile
strength, chemical resistance, and melting
point.

Production Process
Glass fibre is typically produced by melting the raw materials (silica, aluminium oxide, and
other additives) in a furnace, then extruding the molten glass through small holes in a metal
device called a bushing. The resulting thin, continuous glass filaments are then cooled, coated
with a protective sizing, and wound onto a spool or chopped into shorter lengths for further
processing.
History and Development of Glass Fibre
1 Ancient Origins
The history of glass fibre can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where glass-
making techniques were first developed. As early as the 3rd millennium BC,
Egyptians and Phoenicians began experimenting with the process of drawing glass
into fine filaments. These early glass fibres were primarily used for decorative
purposes, such as ornaments and jewelry.

2 Industrial Revolution
The industrial revolution of the 19th century marked a significant turning point in
the history of glass fibre. With advancements in manufacturing and technology,
glass fibres began to be produced on a larger scale, leading to their use in various
industrial applications. In the 1930s, engineers at Corning Glass Works in the United
States successfully developed a process for producing continuous glass fibres,
paving the way for the widespread adoption of glass fibre technology.

3 Modern Advancements
In the latter half of the 20th century, glass fibre technology experienced significant
advancements. The development of new manufacturing techniques, such as the use
of high-speed spinning, allowed for the production of thinner, more uniform glass
fibres. This, in turn, led to the expansion of glass fibre applications, particularly in
the fields of composite materials, insulation, and telecommunications. Today, glass
fibre is a ubiquitous material, found in a wide range of products and industries,
from construction to aerospace.
Types of Glass Fibre
As to the raw material glass used to make glass fibres or nonwovens of glass fibres, there are
several different types of glass fibre, each with its own unique properties and applications. The
most common types include:

E-Glass (Electrical Glass): This is the most widely used type of glass fibre, known for its
excellent electrical insulation properties, high strength-to-weight ratio, and resistance to
chemicals and moisture. E-glass is commonly used in applications such as printed circuit
boards, electrical equipment, and reinforced plastic composites.

S-Glass (High Strength Glass): S-glass is a high-performance glass fibre with superior tensile
strength, making it ideal for demanding applications that require exceptional mechanical
properties. It is often used in aerospace, defence, and sports equipment industries.

C-Glass (Chemical Glass): C-glass is designed to provide superior resistance to chemical

corrosion and weathering. It is commonly used in applications such as reinforced plastic
composites, fibreglass-reinforced plastic pipes, and chemical storage tanks.

AR-Glass (Alkali-Resistant Glass): AR-glass is specifically formulated to resist alkali attack,

making it a suitable choice for applications in cement and concrete reinforcement. It is often
used in the construction industry for features such as reinforced concrete structures and
facades.
D-Glass (Dielectric Glass): D-glass is a low-dielectric glass fibre that offers excellent electrical
insulation properties, making it suitable for use in high-frequency and high-voltage applications,
such as telecommunications equipment and microwave components.

ECR-glass: It is also called electronic glass fibre. It has a good waterproofing ratio, high
mechanical electrical acidic and alkali corrosion resistance. It shows better properties than E-
Type glass fibre. The biggest advantage is a more environmentally friendly glass fibre.
R-glass, S-glass or T-glass fibres are trade names of equivalent fibres having better tensile strength
and modulus than E-type glass fibres. Higher acidic strength and wetting properties are obtained
with a smaller filament diameter.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of
Glass Fibre:
Glass fibers are useful because of their high ratio of surface area to weight. However, the increased
surface area makes them much more susceptible to chemical attack. By trapping air within them,
blocks of glass fibre make good thermal insulation, with a thermal conductivity of the order of 0.05
W/(mK).

Glass fibres have outstanding mechanical properties, such as less fragility, extreme strength, less
stiffness, and lightweight. Some physical and mechanical properties of glass fibres are listed below
table.
The strength of glass is usually tested and reported for “virgin” or pristine fibres those which have
just been manufactured. The freshest, thinnest fibres are the strongest because the thinner fibres
are more ductile. The more the surface is scratched, the less the resulting tenacity. Because glass
has an amorphous structure, its properties are the same along the fibre and across the fibre.
Humidity is an important factor in the tensile strength. Moisture is easily adsorbed, and can worsen
microscopic cracks and surface defects, and lessen tenacity.

In contrast to carbon fibre, glass can undergo more elongation before it breaks. There is a
correlation between bending diameter of the filament and the filament diameter. The viscosity of
the molten glass is very important for manufacturing success. During drawing (pulling of the glass
to reduce fibre circumference), the viscosity should be relatively low. If it is too high, the fibre will
break during drawing. However, if it is too low, the glass will form droplets rather than drawing out
into fibre.
 Manufacturing Processes of Glass Fiber

Idea of manufacturing glass fiber and yarn is centuries old. The raw materials for glass are
primarily silica sand and limestone, with small amount of other compounds such as aluminium
hydroxide, sodium carbonate and borax. After the initial process of melting glass and passing it
through spinnerets, continuous filaments or staple fibers of glass are manufactured by two
different methods.
Continuous Filament Staple Fiber
Process
Process
Fibers with long-staple qualities are
In this process, continuous filaments of manufactured through staple fiber process.
indefinite length is produced. The molten There are many methods for producing such
glass passes through spinnerets having fibers.
hundreds of small openings. These strands of
In one of such methods, the molten glass
multiple filaments are carried to winder
flows through the small holes of bushing,
revolving at very high speed of more than 2
where jets of compressed air shake the thin
miles per km. This process draws out the
streams of molten glass into fine fibers. These
fibers in parallel filaments of the diameter of
fibers vary in length ranging from 8 to 15
the openings. A sizing or a binder is applied to
inches. The fibers fall through a spray of
facilitate the twisting and winding process
lubricant and a drying flame onto e revolving
and to prevent breakage during yarn
drum where they form into a thin web. These
formation. After winding, filaments are
fibers in the form of web are gathered from
further twisted and plied to make yarns by
the drum into a sliver. Yarn is then made from
methods similar to those for making other
this sliver by similar methods that are
continuous filament yarns. The sizing is
adopted for making cotton or wool yarns.
removed through volatizing in an oven. These
These yarns are used for fabrics for industrial
yarns are used for making such items as
purposes where insulation is required.
curtains and drapes.
Glass fibre production
The subsequent manufacture of glass fibers may be executed to the direct melting process.
However, in most cases glass rods or balls are made first which then may undergo a variety of
further processes.

Fig: Manufacture of glass melt

Nozzle-Drawing:
As can be seen in below Fig, the glass fed in is melted in a heated melt tub at 1250–1400oC.
Then, it emerges at the bottom of the melt tub from nozzle holes of 1–25 mm diameter and it
is taken off and drawn. The filaments solidify and are finished and wound. One can find
them in the shops as various kinds of “glass silk”. To make them into webs, the filaments are
cut to length (mostly, between 6 and 25 mm).
Nozzle-Blowing:
The same as with nozzle-drawing, glass balls are melted in the tub. The melt emerging from
the nozzle holes is then taken by pressed air, which draws the liquid glass so as to make fibers
of 6–10 um diameter. A fluttering effect is caused by the flow of pressed air, which results in fibers
of lengths from 50 to 300 mm. A lubricant is put on and the fibers are laid down on a sieve drum
which sucks them in. The dry web received is held together by the long fibers, the short ones lying
in between them as a filling material. Then, the slivers of glass fiber material are cut.
Rod-Drawing:
By means of a burner, bundles of glass rods are melted at their bottom ends. This results in
drops which, as they fall down, draw filaments after them. The filaments are taken by a
rotating drum, a squeegee laying them down onto a perforated belt. Thus, a dry web is
received which can be wound as glass fiber slivers. – Machine performance being limited by the
number of glass rods fed in, the rotating drum may be combined with nozzle-drawing, which results
in drum-drawing. This multiplies machine performance. The dry web is again laid down onto a
perforated belt and solidified or, after winding it so as to receive slivers, cut for further processing
on machines producing wetlaid nonwovens. Using and processing glass fibers is not without any
problems. For example, fine pieces of broken fibers may disturb if the work place is not well
prepared for the purpose. Using the nonwovens to manufacture glass-fiber reinforced plastics, it is
important the surface of the plastic material is fully even. Ends of fiber looking out may be pulled
out or loosened by outward stress (temperature, gases, liquids), which may influence material
characteristics. In some cases, it is advisable to cover up such layers of glass fiber with suitable
chemical fibers.
Application / End Uses of Glass Fiber and
Yarn:
Glass fibers are used in a number of applications which can be divided into four basic categories:
(a) insulations, (b) filtration media, (c) reinforcements, and (d) optical fibers.

Glass fiber is manufactured in a wide range of fine diameters. Some of them are so fine that they
can be seen only through a microscope. This quality of fineness contributes greatly to the flexibility
of glass fibers. Various manufacturers produce different types of glass fibers for different end uses.
Glass fibers them are used for various purpose.

• For making home furnishings fabrics;

• For making apparels and garments; and
• For the purpose tires and reinforced plastics.

There are certain glass fibers that can resist heat upto 7200oC and can withstand forces having
speed of 15,000 miles per hour. These types of glass fibers are used as:

• Filament windings around rocket cases;

• Nose cones;
• Exhaust nozzles; and
• Heat shields for aeronautical equipment

Some other types of glass fibers are embedded into various plastics for strength. These are used in:

• Boat hulls and seats;

• Fishing rods; and
• Wall paneling
Applications of Glass Fibre

Construction Transportation Electronics Renewable Energy

Glass fibre is Glass fibre plays a Glass fibre is an In the renewable
extensively used in crucial role in the essential material in energy sector, glass
the construction transportation the electronics fibre is widely used
industry, particularly sector, where it is industry, where it is in the production of
in the production of used to create used to produce wind turbine blades.
reinforced concrete lightweight, strong, printed circuit The lightweight and
and as a structural and corrosion- boards (PCBs) and durable nature of
reinforcement resistant various electrical glass fibre allows for
material. It is added components for insulation the manufacture of
to concrete to vehicles, including components. The large, efficient wind
improve its tensile cars, trucks, trains, high-strength and turbine blades that
strength, durability, and aircraft. Glass insulating properties can withstand the
and resistance to fibre-reinforced of glass fibre make it rigors of harsh
cracking. Glass fibre plastics are used to an ideal choice for weather conditions,
is also used in the manufacture body these applications, making it a crucial
manufacture of panels, panels, and ensuring reliable material in the
roofing materials, structural parts, and efficient development of
pipes, and various reducing overall electronic systems. wind power
building vehicle weight and technology.
components, improving fuel
providing enhanced efficiency.
Advantages of Glass Fibre
Lightweight and Strong
Glass fibre is remarkably lightweight yet
incredibly strong, making it an excellent
choice for applications where weight and
durability are crucial factors. Its high
strength-to-weight ratio surpasses that of
many metals, allowing for the creation of
lightweight but robust structures,
components, and materials that can
withstand significant loads and stresses.
Thermal and Electrical Insulation
Glass fibre possesses excellent thermal
and electrical insulation properties,
making it a valuable material for a wide
range of applications, from construction
and transportation to electrical and
electronic systems. Its ability to effectively
resist the transfer of heat and electricity
helps to improve energy efficiency, safety,
and overall product performance.
Corrosion Resistance
Glass fibres are highly resistant to
corrosion, chemicals, and environmental
factors, making them an ideal choice for
applications in harsh or corrosive
environments. This exceptional resistance
to degradation ensures the longevity and
reliability of glass fibre-based products,
reducing the need for frequent
maintenance and replacement.
Design Flexibility
Glass fibre can be easily molded and
shaped into a variety of complex forms
and designs, allowing for a high degree of
customization and versatility. This design
flexibility enables engineers and
manufacturers to create innovative and
tailored solutions that meet the specific
needs of their applications, from intricate
aerospace components to streamlined
consumer products.
Challenges and Limitations of Glass Fibre
Cost Weight Durability Recycling
Considerations Limitations Concerns Challenges

While glass fibre is One of the key While glass fibre is Recycling glass
a relatively advantages of known for its fibre products can
affordable glass fibre is its strength and be a complex and
material low weight durability, it can be energy-intensive
compared to some compared to susceptible to process, often
other advanced traditional certain requiring
composites, the materials like environmental specialized
manufacturing steel. However, it factors, such as UV equipment and
process can still be is still heavier than exposure, techniques. The
quite costly. The other advanced chemical attack, ability to recycle
high-temperature composites like and fatigue over glass fibre
furnaces, carbon fibre or time. In harsh or components at the
specialized aramid fibre. In demanding end of their useful
equipment, and applications where applications, the life is an area that
energy-intensive weight is a long-term still faces some
nature of glass significant performance and limitations, which
fibre production concern, such as reliability of glass can impact the
contribute to its aerospace or fibre components overall
overall price tag. transportation, the may be a concern, sustainability and
This can be a weight of glass requiring careful environmental
barrier for some fibre may be a design and impact of glass
applications, limiting factor, and maintenance to fibre-based
especially in other lighter- ensure their products.
industries with weight options integrity.
tight budgets or may be preferred.
Future Trends and Innovations in Glass Fibre
As the demand for advanced materials continues to grow, the future of glass fibre looks increasingly
promising. Researchers and manufacturers are exploring innovative ways to enhance the properties
and applications of this versatile material. One key trend is the development of High-Performance
Glass Fibres, which offer superior strength, durability, and thermal resistance compared to
traditional glass fibres. These advanced variants are finding increasing use in aerospace,
automotive, and renewable energy industries, where their lightweight yet robust nature is highly
valued.
Another area of innovation is the integration of Nano-Structured Glass Fibres. By incorporating
nanoscale reinforcements, such as carbon nanotubes or graphene, these novel glass fibres exhibit
enhanced mechanical, electrical, and thermal characteristics. This opens up exciting new
possibilities for applications in smart materials, flexible electronics, and high-tech composites.

Sustainability is also a driving force in the future of glass fibre technology. Researchers are exploring
Eco-Friendly Glass Fibre Production methods that utilize renewable or recycled raw materials,
reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact. This shift towards green
manufacturing aligns with the growing global emphasis on sustainability and circular economy.
Conclusion:
Using glass fiber as a reinforcing agent in the composite industry shows a big trend since the price
of the glass fiber is low in comparison to carbon fiber or Kevlar. For general-purpose application E-
glass is seen to be a best choice and also for high technology applications various types of glass
fiber like S glass or ECR glasses were introduced to the market. Glass fiber products have the
advantages that it can be used either in the traditional composite manufacturing processes (hand
layup) or it can be used in high technology composite manufacturing techniques like RTM.

In the transportation and automotive industries the idea of lightweight vehicles is the driving force
for glass fiber composite manufacturers and according to the demand of customers glass fiber is
widely used since it fulfills the composite market needs by considering low cost and availability in
the glass fiber market. By looking at the growth of light vehicle sales to about 50% from 2010 to
2015, increasing the glass fiber production can also be considered.