klaaskiud

Klaaskiud, or glass fiber, is a material made of fine filaments of glass that are assembled into mats, batt, or chopped strands. It is widely used for thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as as a reinforcing material in polymer composites and filtration applications. The fibers are noncombustible and chemically resistant, contributing to its popularity in construction and industrial contexts.

Production and processing: Klaaskiud is produced by melting raw glass from silica and other ingredients, then forming the melt into thin filaments through bushings or other fiberization devices. The filaments are cooled, gathered, and often bound with a water-based sizing to improve handling. For insulation products, the fibers are formed into nonwoven mats or batts, sometimes with needling or binding to give mechanical strength. Chopped fibers are used for loose-fill insulation or as reinforcement in composite materials.

Properties: Glass fiber insulation has a low density and low thermal conductivity, providing good thermal resistance for its weight. It is noncombustible and chemically stable, with good dimensional stability and resistance to moisture when properly installed. The thermal conductivity of typical glass fiber insulation is around 0.04 W/m·K at 25°C. Mechanical properties vary with density and orientation; fibers can be strong in tension but are brittle in bulk form. Some products include binders or coatings that affect moisture absorption and aging.

Applications: In buildings, klaaskiud is used in wall and roof insulation, pipe sections, and soundproofing panels. It also serves as reinforcement in fiber-reinforced plastics and as filtration material in industrial air and liquid systems.

Health and safety: Handling glass fiber can cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation; modern products are designed to minimize health risks when installed with proper protective equipment. Once incorporated into a product, fibers are generally inert and encapsulated.

Environmental aspects: Glass fiber is not biodegradable and production is energy-intensive. Some recycling and reclamation options exist, particularly for fiber-reinforced composites, but disposal depends on local regulations and binder chemistry.