Fiberglass Basics

Fiberglass is a term heard quite often to refer to a common material used in a number of real-world applications, but how many people actually know what fiberglass is? It's a fairly complex material, though it is one that is made with ease today. The following facts will introduce fiberglass, explain its composition and detail what it is used for and why it is important.

Definition

Fiberglass is essentially glass that has been worked into narrow threads for textile application. These are bundled or used as reinforcements for polymer products.

Types

There are two types of fiberglass: S-glass and E-glass. S-glass is a better insulator and can withstand high heats, while E-glass has a higher tensile strength.

Function

Today, fiberglass is mainly used as an insulator. It is also needed to create glass-reinforced plastic and fiber-reinforced polymer, both of which are needed in multiple industries.

Strength

Though the chemical bonds in glass are not crystallized, leading it to shatter when enough force is applied, it is still a strong material. Fiberglass strands are particularly strong and can bed more than similar materials before breaking.

Heat

Fiberglass is able to absorb air and, thus, heat from the surrounding atmosphere. This is why it is such an important insulating product.