Saint-Gobain Vetrotex: Glass Strand Continued

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	The origins
	Manufacturing
	Forming
	Sizing
	Characteristics
	Glass filament identification
	The advantages
	The advantages of the composites reinforced with glass strands



	4 types of glass: E, D, R and AR E glass: a pioneer Since 1930, glass fiber has been considered one of the materials of the future because of its dielectric qualities: the insulation of electrical conductors subjected to high temperatures was to provide E glass filament, used on its own or in association with varnished or synthetic resins, with its first large-scale industrial application. E glass strand is the most commonly used type, both in the textile industry and in composites, where it accounts for 90% of the reinforcement used. R glass: high mechanical performance This type of filament was created at the request of the "leading-edge" sectors: aviation, space and armaments. It meets their requirements in terms of behavior of materials in respect to fatigue, temperature and humidity. Due to its high technical performance it can be used for reinforcing helicopter rotor blades, the floors of planes, rocket fuel tanks, missiles and missile launchers. Developed mainly for these applications, it has also found other outlets, for example in the sports and leisure industry, transport and ballistic armoring. D glass: very good dielectric characteristics Composites based on D glass have very low electrical losses and are therefore used as a material which is permeable to electromagnetic waves, with very important benefits in terms of electrical characteristics. D glass fiber is used in the manufacture of radomes, electromagnetic windows, and high-performance printed circuit boards. AR glass filament: alkali resistant AR glass was specially developed for reinforcing cement. Its high zirconium oxide content gives it excellent resistance to the alkaline compounds generated during drying. Reinforcement of cement with AR glass filament gives improved modulus of rupture with good durability. This means that molding made in GRC (Glass Reinforced Cement) can be much lighter. Principal applications are: asbestos replacement in roofing and sheeting, cladding panels and building components. C glass: C glass is used for the production of glass mat for which corrosion-resistance properties are required (such as pipeline anti-corrosion outer wrapping, surfacing of composite pipes).

Mechanical properties

Properties

E Glass

D Glass

R Glass

AR Glass

C Glass

Density

2.60 g/cm³

2.14 g/cm³

2.53 g/cm³

2.68 g/cm³

2.53 g/cm³

Tensile strength: Virgin filament

3400 MPa

2500 MPa

4400 MPa

3000 MPa

Impregnated strand in a composite

2400 MPa

1650 MPa

3600 MPa

Tensile modulus

73000 MPa

55000 MPa

86000 MPa

73000 MPa

Elongation at break

4.5 %

5.2 %

4.30 %

Thermal properties

Properties

E Glass

D Glass

R Glass

AR Glass

C Glass

Moisture content

< 0.1 %

Thermal
conductivity

1.0 W/m.K

Coefficient of linear thermal expansion

(between 20 and 100°C)

5.10^-6
m/m/°K

3.5.10^-6
m/m/°K

4.10^-6
m/m/°K

5.10^-6
m/m/°K

94.10 ^-7
m/m/°C

Dielectric properties and other

Properties

E Glass

D Glass

R Glass

AR Glass

C Glass

Dielectric strength

8-12 kV/mm

at 1 MHz

6.4 - 6.7

3.85

6.0

8.1

tg d

at 1 MHz

0.0010-0.0018

0.0005

0.0019

Effect of temperature: tensile strength modified from

300°C

350°C

100 % loss at

600°C

730°C

Flammability

Non
flammable

Transformation temperature (softening point)

846°C

775°C

985°C

773°C

689°C

DGG acc DIN 1211

17.5 mg

Examples of our product references


	Yarn		Roving

	EC9 34 Z28 T6 H5		EC11 2400 P204 (50)P RO 99 2400 P139 P

	E C 9 - 11 34 - 2400 Z28 T6 - P204 -P139 (50) H5 P RO99		Type of glass Continuous filament Filament diameter (µm) Linear density (tex) Twist direction and value (turns/meter) Sizing references for Saint-Gobain Vetrotex Linear density or single strand in tex Type of cop Type of presentation Multifilament roving (direct)


			Mat

			M5 450-125U816 375-138

			Mtype of mat : chopped strands mat U type of mat: continuous filament mat 5 - 816 mat references 450 - 375surface density (g/m²) 125 - 138width (cm)



	10 benefits from one filament : Mechanical strength: Glass filament has a higher specific resistance (tensile strength/volumetric mass) than that of steel. This characteristic is the starting point for the development of glass strand to produce high-performance composites. Electrical characteristics: Its properties as an excellent electrical insulator, even at small thickness, combined with its mechanical strength and behavior at different temperatures, formed the basis of the first applications for glass filament. Incombustibility: As a mineral material, glass strand is naturally incombustible. It neither propagates nor supports a flame. When exposed to heat, it emits neither smoke nor toxic products. Dimensional stability: Glass filament is insensitive to variations in temperature and hygrometry and has a low coefficient of linear expansion. Compatibility with organic matrices: The ability of glass strand to accept different types of size creates a bond between the glass and the matrix, enabling it to be combined with many synthetic resins as well as certain mineral matrices (plaster, cement). Non-rotting: Glass filament does not deteriorate and does not rot. It is not affected by the action of insects and rodents. Low thermal conductivity: This characteristic is highly valued in the building industry, where the use of glass strand composites makes it possible to eliminate thermal bridging, enabling considerable heat savings to be made. Dielectric permeability: This is essential in applications such as radomes, electromagnetic windows, etc. Integration of functions: Glass strand composite material can be used to produce one-piece parts which integrate several functions and replace several assembled parts. High resistance to chemical agents: When combined with appropriate resins, composites with this characteristic can be made from glass filament.



	Lightness: Reinforced plastic parts help to save weight compared to steel parts (up to 30% lighter) with similar thermo-mechanical properties. Easy to shape: Glass strands help to reinforce parts with many sizes and shapes: from vessels to hollow parts (pipes), pultruded and long parts, complex parts (inlet manifold or electrical components, façade decoration), small or very thin parts (electrical cables, printed circuit boards). Integration of functions: One of the main advantages of composites is that a part with multiple functions can be made in a single step. By combining complexity of shapes, lightness, dimensional accuracy, high thermo-mechanical properties and reliability, composites meet new functional needs for motor vehicles. Dielectric and thermo-mechanical properties: Composite parts and materials including glass strands demonstrate good performance in many respects: tensile strength, flexural impact strength, compression strength, interlaminar shear strength, fire resistance, deflection under load, water absorption, moisture absorption, resistance to cracking, breaking, splitting, abrasion etc. including good corrosion properties and good chemical resistance. Improvement in surface finish: Glass reinforcements (mats, tissues), when added or molded with other materials, help to improve their surface appearance as they allow a uniform impregnation (with resins) and are not subject to cracking, breaking and splitting. Recyclability: Owing to different technical methods, recycling of glass strand is now possible, as well as the recycling of thermoplastic or thermoset glass reinforced parts ; see our "Environment, Health & Safety" pages.