Basalt compositions and their fibers
AssigneeOwens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation
InventorsCharles F. Rapp, William H. Fausey, J. Ronald Gonterman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Fiberizable basalt compositions are disclosed. The fibers are produced from natural basalt rock modified with alkaline earth metal oxides. The fibers can be used to make low density composites for ceiling tile or boards.
Claims25
High softening basalt fibers produced from 95 to 60% by weight natural basalt rock modified with 5.0 to 40.0 weight percent of an additive consisting essentially of only at least one alkaline earth metal oxide wherein the basalt fibers have a composition containing at least 12 weight percent CaO and 15 weight percent or less of MgO,
- wherein the composition has a viscosity of log n=1.0 at a temperature of 2950.degree. F. or less.
Basalt fibers produced from Oregon Yakima basalt rock modified with 10.0 to 30.0 weight percent of an additive which is substantially only CaO or MgO and CaO, wherein the basalt fibers have a composition containing 12 to 40 weight percent CaO and 2 to 15 weight percent MgO,
- wherein the composition has a viscosity of log n=1.0 at a temperature of 2950.degree. F. or less.
Basalt fibers produced from Oregon Yakima basalt rock modified with 15.0 to 25.0 weight percent of an additive which is substantially only CaO or MgO and CaO, wherein the basalt fibers have a composition containing 14 to 30 weight percent CaO and 3 to 12 weight percent MgO,
- wherein the composition has a viscosity of log n=1.0 at a temperature of 2950.degree. or less.
A method of producing mineral wool comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a raw material consisting essentially of 60-95% by weight natural basalt rock modified with 5 to 40 weight percent of an additive consisting essentially of only at least one alkaline earth metal oxide wherein the basalt fibers have a composition containing at least 12 weight percent CaO and 15 weight percent or less of MgO;
- b. melting the raw material;
- c. forming the molten raw material into fibers;
- d. cooling the fibers;
- and
- e. collecting the cooled fibers
- wherein the composition has a viscosity of log n=1.0 at a temperature of 2950.degree. F. or less, and
- wherein the fibers have a high softening temperature as indicated by a viscosity of log n=11.0.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.