ИСТИНА

Basalt continuous fibers (BCF) is a perspective substitution for alkali resistant (AR) glass fibers which are widely used for concrete reinforcement. At the same time their alkali resistant properties in 3-4 times worse. We have obtained BCF with high zirconia content (up to 16 wt/ %). It was shown that the highest ZrO2 concentration in basalt fibers is 3.1 wt %. We have determined the fiber drawing temperature ranges and assessed the mechanical strength and alkali resistance of the fibers. With increasing ZrO2 content, the strength of the fibers (d = 11–12 μm) decreases from 1.8 to 0.6 GPa. The addition of less than 3.1 wt % ZrO2 increases the alkali resistance of the basalt fibers by 37%. The addition of more than 3.1 wt % ZrO2 to the glass batch reduces the alkali resistance and strength of the basalt fibers