In the textile world, there are fabrics or materials that have special characteristics or features due to their resistance and strength under certain conditions. Because of these properties, they offer a wide range of possibilities and are technically used in various sectors such as aerospace, industrial insulation, and fire protection.
Among them, we can highlight a material that is particularly interesting for fire protection: fiberglass. In this article, we will explain all the details you need to know about this specific material.
What is fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a material made up of numerous very fine polymer filaments based on silicon dioxide. It is an extremely resistant material with several positive characteristics, among which we can highlight:
- Its light weight (it weighs little and is easy to work with)
- Its performance as a good electrical and thermal insulator
- Its chemical resistance (able to resist most acids)
- Its dimensional stability
- Its flexibility, adaptability, and versatility
What types of fiberglass exist?
Currently, there are different classes of fiberglass, among which we can mention:
- Type E
- Type R
- Type D
- Type AR
- Type C
Although all these types have special characteristics and are essential in various sectors, when working on fire prevention, the E type is especially relevant… mainly due to its resistance to solvents, its excellent fire-resistant properties, and its good dielectric properties.
How does fiberglass act in the presence of fire?
When exposed to fire, fiberglass behaves in a very specific way. As the temperature increases, its molecular structure breaks down, causing the fibers to bond together, achieving a more homogeneous compound at a structural level.
Its homogeneity and resistance make it an ideal material for fire protection, capable of withstanding extreme heat and tolerating temperatures above 1000 degrees, depending on its composition.
Applications of fiberglass in fire protection
Due to its characteristics and properties, fiberglass is mainly used in thermal insulation textile solutions such as fire curtains and smoke control barriers.
Additionally, it has great potential when combined with other materials: fiberglass fabrics are often combined with filaments from other materials, primarily steel filaments, to provide greater resistance to temperature (offering enhanced safety and protection).
Moreover, the yarns used to weave these textiles can be texturized… mainly through an air-blowing process in the thermal conversion of fiberglass filaments into continuous yarn. This results in thicker fabrics with the same final weight.
Finally, the fabrics can also be coated with materials that facilitate handling or use, such as silicone, fire-retardant polyurethane, laminates that favor low thermal radiation emission, or compounds that increase their resistance or thermal insulation.
At Tecnitex, we are aware of all the possibilities of E-class fiberglass, which is why we design and manufacture fire curtains and smoke control barriers with this material. Want to learn more and enhance the safety of your project? Contact us.