The production of composite rebar, such as our CT-R-BAR, requires high-quality raw materials to ensure maximum strength and durability. In this article, we will take a closer look at various types of glass fiber and basalt fiber, as well as the properties of epoxy and polyester resins. We will also discuss other fibers that can be used in the production of rebar and review current trends in the raw material market.
Content
Primary materials used in the production of composite rebar
Glass Fiber
Glass fiber is one of the primary materials used in the production of composite rebar. It possesses high strength and corrosion resistance. Glass fiber is divided into several types, including E-glass, S-glass, and AR-glass. Each of these types has its unique properties:
E-glass: This type of glass fiber has excellent electrical and mechanical properties, making it the most common choice for rebar production.
S-glass: It has higher strength and thermal resistance compared to E-glass, making it ideal for high-stress applications.
AR-glass: Provides increased alkali resistance, which is important for use in aggressive chemical environments.
Basalt Fiber
Basalt fiber is an alternative to glass fiber and has several advantages, such as high strength, resistance to high temperatures, and corrosion resistance. Basalt fiber is made from natural basalt and has the following characteristics:
High tensile strength: Up to 4800 MPa, making it an excellent choice for concrete reinforcement.
Thermal resistance: Can withstand temperatures up to 1000°C without losing its properties.
Eco-friendliness: Made from natural material and does not contain harmful chemicals.
Other Fibers
In addition to glass fiber and basalt fiber, other fibers can be used in the production of composite rebar, such as carbon fiber and aramid fiber:
- Carbon fiber: Has exceptional strength and rigidity but is significantly more expensive compared to other fibers.
- Aramid fiber: Known for its high impact resistance and abrasion resistance, but also comes at a higher cost.
Epoxy and Polyester Resin
High-quality resins are also necessary for the production of composite rebar. Epoxy and polyester resins are most commonly used:
- Epoxy resin: Has excellent adhesion to fibers, high mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. It ensures the durability and reliability of the rebar.
- Polyester resin: More affordable and easy to use, but its mechanical properties and chemical resistance are somewhat lower compared to epoxy resin.
Economic Benefits of composite rebar
Recently, the price of raw materials for the production of composite rebar has significantly decreased. This makes the rebar production business highly profitable. For example, the price of glass fiber has dropped by 20% over the past year, and the cost of epoxy resin has decreased by 15%. These changes allow for reduced production costs and increased profitability.
Specific Characteristics
To understand the quality and choose the right raw materials, it is important to consider the specific characteristics of roving and resin:
- Glass fiber (E-glass): Tensile strength – up to 3450 MPa, modulus of elasticity – 73 GPa.
- Basalt fiber: Tensile strength – up to 4800 MPa, modulus of elasticity – 89 GPa.
- Epoxy resin: Tensile strength – 80-120 MPa, modulus of elasticity – 2.5-4 GPa.
- Polyester resin: Tensile strength – 40-90 MPa, modulus of elasticity – 2-3.5 GPa.
Conclusion
Choosing high-quality raw materials for the production of composite rebar is a key factor in ensuring its strength and durability. Currently, the decrease in raw material prices opens new opportunities for increasing business profitability. We hope this guide helps you better understand the different materials and their properties to make the right choice for your production.
For more detailed information about our equipment and products, such as CT-R-BAR, visit our website at composite-tech.com.