SMARTER BUILDING SYSTEMS

SCULPTORS USE BASALT FIBERS AND MESH!

I have recently heard back from sculptors who are using our Basalt mesh and fibers in their art and have expressed their delight at how strong the pieces are now and how well the products work!
They want more!

Replace AR Glass or any fiberglass for concrete reinforcement with these new stronger fibers and mesh.
They do not have strong reactions to alkalis and keep their strength basically forever.

Easy to work with, supple and yet strong, these affordable products are what artists are finding is the perfect complement to making statues, fountains, walkstones, anything that needs to hold up and provide a more permanent structural solution.

Fine art

Basalt fibers in sculpture

Sculpture, art, Basalt, fibers, mesh

Fine art sculptor

http://fischerskis.com/en/technology_highlight.php?id_group=60223

GLOBAL INNOVATION FROM FISCHER

The new Air Core Basalight technology sees Fischer also setting new standards in the middle class: in this technology volcanic basalt fibres replace the conventional fibre glass – with remarkable effects on skiing performance. The new material is ideal for the specific ski movements in cross country skiing and the perfect flex characteristics that span all temperature ranges enable a whole new skiing experience.

But that’s not all: Basalight also reduces the ski weight, putting a new perspective on the previous class divisions. With the global launch of this innovation Fischer moves the middle class closer to the top models of the upper class, which will no doubt mean some positive surprises out on the tracks.

FIBER VS. FIBER

Basalt fiber proponents say that their product clearly outperforms E-glass in composites. In chopped mat, roving and unidirectional fabric forms, basalt fibers exhibit a higher breaking load and higher Young’s modulus (a measure of the stiffness of a given material) than E-glass. In a study of basalt fibers and E-glass fibers, conducted by Professor Ignaas Verpoest at the Composites Dept. of the University of Leuven in Belgium, unidirectional prepregs were produced by impregnating E-glass and basalt roving with epoxy and winding each on a mandrel, and then compacting the laminate until complete cure was achieved. Samples of 135-mm by 15-mm (5.3-inches by 0.6-inch) were cut and measured for thickness. The pieces were then subjected to a three-point bending test (ISO 178) and the ILSS test (ISO 14130) to test strength and stiffness. Verpoest reports that each sample had a fiber volume fraction of 40 percent, but the basalt/epoxy sample’s strength tested 13.7 percent higher than that of the E-glass sample and exhibited 17.5 percent greater stiffness, although the basalt sample was 3.6 percent heavier than the E-glass sample.

Additionally, basalt fibers are naturally resistant to ultraviolet (UV) and high-energy electromagnetic radiation, maintain their properties in cold temperatures, and provides better acid resistance. Reportedly, basalt also is superior in the realm of worker safety and air quality as well. Markuts points out that since basalt is the product of volcanic activity, the fiberization process is more environmentally safe than that of glass fiber. The “greenhouse” gases that might otherwise be released during fiber processing, he says, were vented millions of years ago during the magma eruption. Further, basalt is 100 percent inert, that is, it has no toxic reaction with air or water, and is noncombustible and explosion proof.

Basalt is finding it’s way into the boating world and will be taking on Carbon Fiber as it is much cheaper-offers high strength, and does not blister.  These guys use NO Gelcoat  or interior flow coat saving hundreds of pounds of weight and all the labor and time to do all that!

http://www.africancats.com/site/

I spoke with inventor Gideon Goudsmit (brilliant guy) and his Cat boats have a “Green Motion” moto-gen system that charges the batteries while under sail!  It only loses a small percent of speed and is retractable. Wind generator on the top of the mast, solar panels on deck-these guys have it going on! Check them out!

http://www.green-motion.com/

Basalt Mesh is Better than steel for many reasons 
• Stronger than steel wire of comparable size
• By far lighter and easier to handle and install (no nasty cuts).
• Will not rust or corrode or cause cracking of concrete
• Flexible for easier design
• Our Mesh does not conduct electricity or induce electric fields
• It binds well with both asphalt and concrete
• Many sizes available: 25x25mm or 10x10mm or 5x5mm coated or uncoated mesh available

Basalt Reinforcement Mesh

Strengthen concrete pours with Basalt Mesh!

Available in different sizes with epoxy coatings for concrete and composites and asphalt coatings for asphalt reinforcement.

Basalt Geo-mesh