Saint-Gobain Vetrotex - Glass Strand

	The origins
	Manufacturing
	Forming
	Sizing
	Characteristics
	Glass filament product identification (iso-standards)
	The general advantage of Glass strands
	The general advantage of composites reinforcemend with Glass strands

See also Products Data Sheets

The business unit for Textiles manufactures E glass filament products
E glass : a pioneer
Since 1930 glass fiber has been considered one of the materials of the future because of its dielectrical qualities : the insulation of electrical conductors subjected to high temperatures was to provide E glass filament, used on its own or in association with varnished or synthetic resins, with its first large-scale industrial application. E glass strand is the most commonly used type, both in textile industry and in composites, where it accounts for 90% of the reinforcement used.

Mechanical properties

Properties

E Glass

D Glass

R Glass

AR Glass

C Glass

Density

2.60 g/cm³

2.14 g/cm³

2.53 g/cm³

2.68 g/cm³

2.53 g/cm³

Tensile strength: Virgin filament

3400 MPa

2500 MPa

4400 MPa

3000 MPa

Impregnated strand in a composite

2400 MPa

1650 MPa

3600 MPa

Tensile modulus

73000 MPa

55000 MPa

86000 MPa

73000 MPa

Elongation at break

4.5 %

5.2 %

4.30 %

Thermal properties

Properties

E Glass

D Glass

R Glass

AR Glass

C Glass

Moisture content

< 0.1 %

Thermal
conductivity

1.0 W/m.K

Coefficient of linear thermal expansion

(between 20 and 100°C)

5.10^-6
m/m/°K

3.5.10^-6
m/m/°K

4.10^-6
m/m/°K

5.10^-6
m/m/°K

94.10 ^-7
m/m/°C

Dielectric properties and other

Properties

E Glass

D Glass

R Glass

AR Glass

C Glass

Dielectric strength

8-12 kV/mm

at 1 MHz

6.4 - 6.7

3.85

6.0

8.1

tg d

at 1 MHz

0.0010-0.0018

0.0005

0.0019

Effect of temperature: tensile strength modified from

300°C

350°C

100 % loss at

600°C

730°C

Flammability

Non
flammable

Transformation temperature (softening point)

846°C

775°C

985°C

773°C

689°C

DGG acc DIN 1211

17.5 mg



	Information relating to the identification (nomenclature) of yarns, plied yarns, texturized and voluminized products, D&R glass products, ZeroTwist, dispersible chopped filaments are available in the respective page of this site.



	10 benefits from one filament : Mechanical strength : Glass filament has a greater specific resistance (tensile strength/volumetric mass) than that of steel. This characteristic is the starting point for the development of glass strand to produce high performance composites. Electrical characteristics : Its properties as an excellent electrical insulator, even at low thickness, combined with its mechanical strength and behaviour in different temperatures, formed the basis of the first applications for glass filament. Incombustibility : As a mineral material, glass strand is naturally incombustible. It neither propagates nor supports a flame. When exposed to heat, it emits neither smoke or toxic products. Dimensional stability : Glass filament is insensitive to variations in temperature and hygrometry and has a low coefficient of linear expansion. Compatibility with organic matrices : The ability of glass strand to accept different types of size creates a bond between the glass and the matrix, enabling it to be combined with many synthetic resins as well as certain mineral matrices (plaster, cement). Non-rotting : Glass filament does not deteriorate and does not rot. It is not affected by the action of insects and rodents. Low thermal conductivity : This characteristic is highly valued in the building industry, where the use of glass strand composites makes it possible to eliminate thermal bridging, enabling considerable heat savings to be made. Dielectric permeability : This is essential in applications such as radomes, electromagnetic windows, … Integration of functions : Glass strand composite material can be used to produce one-piece parts which integrate several functions and replace several assembled parts. High resistance to chemical agents : When combined with appropriate resins, composites with this characteristic can be made from glass filament.



	Lightness: reinforced plastic parts help saving weight compared to steel parts (up to 30% lighter) with similar thermo-mechanical properties. Easy to shape: glass strands help reinforcing parts with multiple sizes and shapes: from vessels to hollow parts (pipes), pultruded and long parts, complex parts (inlet manifold or electrical components, façade decoration), small or very thin parts (electrical cables, printed circuit boards). Integration of functions: one of the main advantages of composites is that a part with multiple functions can be made in a single step. By combining complexity of shapes, lightness, dimensional accuracy, high thermo-mechanical properties, and reliability, composites meet new functional needs for motor vehicles. Dielectric and thermo-mechanical properties: composite parts and materials including glass strands demonstrate many performances: tensile strength, flexural impact strength, compression strength, interlaminar shear strength, fire resistance, deflection under load, water absorption, moisture absorption, resistance to cracking, breaking, splitting, abrasion etc. among which good corrosion properties and good chemical resistance. Improvement in surface finish: glass reinforcements (mats, tissues), when added or moulded with other materials, help improving their surface aspect as they allow a uniform impregnation (with resins) and are not subject to cracking, breaking and splitting. Recyclability: Owing to different technical methods, recycling of glass strand is now possible, as well as the recycling of thermoplastic or thermoset glass reinforced parts ; see our Environment, Health & Safety.