Lasikuitu

Lasikuitu, commonly known in English as fiberglass, is a material composed of extremely fine fibers of glass, typically derived from silica-based glass. It is produced by melting glass and drawing it into long, thin filaments that can be assembled into various forms for different applications. The glass fibers are often coated with a sizing or resin-compatible coating to improve handling and bonding with matrices used in composites or with cementitious materials in construction.

Fibers and forms

Lasikuitu is available in multiple forms, including chopped strands, continuous rovings, woven fabrics, mats, and yarns. Chopped fibers are used as reinforcement in plastics and concrete, while continuous fibers form high-strength laminates in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) systems. Woven fabrics and textiles enable more uniform reinforcement and can be tailored for specific mechanical properties.

Properties and performance

Key characteristics include low density, high tensile strength and stiffness, and good chemical resistance. Glass fibers are non-conductive and have excellent heat resistance, making them suitable for insulation and high-temperature applications. They are relatively brittle compared with metals or some polymers, and the strength of fiberglass products depends on fiber alignment, resin compatibility, and manufacturing quality.

Applications

Lasikuitu is widely used for reinforcement in plastics and cement-based composites, vehicle and aircraft components, sports equipment, and building insulation and structural reinforcement. It also serves in electrical and thermal insulation roles, as well as in various consumer and industrial products where light weight and corrosion resistance are advantageous.

Safety and environment

Handling glass fibers can cause skin and eye irritation and respiratory irritation if dust is inhaled, so protective equipment is recommended during processing. Recycling options exist but recycling fiberglass waste can be challenging; recycling typically focuses on repurposing or processing into secondary materials where feasible.