Glass Fibers from High and Low Viscosity Melts

Abstract

ABSTRACTTypical commercial and experimental oxide glass fibers are made from silicate melts, which have viscosities of log 2.5 to log 3.0 poise at the forming temperatures. But, strong fibers were recently also made from melts having viscosities of 0.5 to 2.0 poise, and a sharp melting point rather than a viscosity that gradually changes with temperature. This paper analyzes the various mechanisms of fiber formation, and proposes an answer to the apparent inconsistencies. In this context, the present paper bridges recent advances in the disciplines of advanced inorganic fibers [1], composite reinforcing fibers [2, 3, 4], and fiber glass reinforcements [5].