Heat Resistant Chopped Basalt Fibers for High Temperature Composite Applications

Heat Resistant Chopped Basalt Fibers are high-performance short-cut reinforcement materials manufactured from natural volcanic basalt rock. The production process involves melting basalt at approximately 1450–1500°C and extruding it into continuous filaments, which are then precisely cut to specified lengths. The fibers are coated with a silane coupling agent, providing high temperature resistance, permanent flame retardancy, oxidation resistance, radiation resistance, and thermal insulation.

These chopped strands are engineered specifically for high temperature composite applications, offering exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance that make them ideal for demanding environments in aerospace, automotive, transportation, and industrial sectors.

Key Advantages for High Temperature Applications

1. Exceptional Thermal Stability
Basalt fibers maintain structural integrity across an extraordinary temperature range from -260°C to +700°C. This unparalleled thermal resilience is critical for high-temperature compounding (280–320°C), injection molding, and continuous operation in extreme environments. With a softening point of 1050°C and melting point of 1450°C, these fibers far exceed the temperature resistance of glass fibers and most organic reinforcements.

2. Superior Fire Resistance
Unlike glass fibers that achieve only V2–V1 flame resistance ratings, basalt fiber reinforcement achieves UL94 V-0 classification, demonstrating markedly higher flame-retardant efficiency. The fibers exhibit permanent flame retardancy without the need for halogenated additives, making them inherently safer for fire-critical applications.

3. Outstanding High-Temperature Wear Resistance
Basalt fibers provide superior wear resistance at elevated temperatures, attributed to their higher elastic modulus and thermal stability compared to glass fibers. This makes them particularly suitable for friction materials, brake components, and high-temperature mechanical applications.

4. Excellent Mechanical Properties at Temperature
Even at elevated temperatures, basalt fibers maintain high tensile strength (1200–2500 MPa) and elastic modulus (65–95 GPa). The fibers demonstrate oxidation resistance and radiation resistance, ensuring long-term performance in extreme conditions.

5. Chemical & Environmental Resistance
Basalt fibers are impervious to attack from acids, alkalis, saltwater, and other corrosive substances. They are 100% natural, non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and contain no heavy metals. With near-zero moisture absorption (<0.1%), they eliminate hydrolysis risks in humid or high-temperature environments.

6. Thermal Expansion Compatibility
The thermal expansion coefficient of basalt fiber is similar to that of concrete and many thermosetting resins, minimizing thermal stress and delamination issues in composite structures.

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Application Fields

Industry Applications
Aerospace & Defense Thermal protection systems, rocket components, satellites, aircraft interior panels
Automotive Engine covers, under-hood components, exhaust systems, brake pads, EV battery trays
Transportation Fire-resistant panels, high-temperature structural components
Industrial High-temperature filtration fabrics, thermal insulation, furnace components
Composites Sheet Molding Compound (SMC), Bulk Molding Compound (BMC), high-temperature epoxy and phenolic composites
Friction Materials Brake pads, clutch facings requiring high heat resistance and moderate hardness

Pasia Industries offers a special type of basalt chopped fiber, compatible with various general purpose resin systems such as epoxy, phenolic, vinyl ester and polyester. Basalt chopped strands are mainly recommended for the manufacturing of friction materials, reinforcing concrete and bitumen, BMC or SMC material, making chopped strand mat, needle mat, etc Special sizing formulas can also be provided for other application requirements.

General Specifications