Can stones be drawn into clothes? How does science break through the limits of i
2024-08-30 / tech
Can stones actually be drawn into threads to make clothes? This is indeed a scientific innovation that breaks through traditional perceptions.
The heat resistance limit of this new type of material can reach one thousand degrees Celsius, far exceeding the three hundred degrees Celsius of ordinary fireproof clothing. It has been listed by the country as a strategic emerging industry. It is basalt fiber.
What is the specific production process of basalt fiber?
1. Raw material preparation: First, it is necessary to crush and clean the basalt ore to ensure the purity and consistency of the raw materials.
2. Melting: The cleaned basalt ore is melted in a furnace at a temperature of 1450~1500℃ to ensure the uniformity of the melt composition and to fully volatilize the internal gases.3. Impregnation treatment: Before drawing, it is necessary to treat the melt with a sizing agent to improve defects such as fiber breakage and dispersion during the drawing process. The components of the sizing agent mainly include binders, film-forming agents, lubricants, antistatic agents, coupling agents, etc.
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4. Drawing: At a temperature of about 1350°C, the molten basalt is drawn into fibers through a platinum-rhodium alloy die. During the drawing process, the sizing agent helps with fiber bundling, lubrication, and improving interfacial properties.
5. Bundling and post-processing: After drawing, basalt fibers will undergo bundling and subsequent thermal or chemical treatment to enhance their performance and applicability.
6. Surface modification: Basalt fibers have a smooth surface and low chemical activity, so surface modification techniques such as coating modification, plasma modification, and other methods are needed to improve their adhesion to the resin matrix.
What are some application examples of basalt fibers in the fields of aerospace, aviation, military, and firefighting?1. Aerospace Field: The high-temperature resistance and excellent thermal insulation and radiation resistance of basalt fiber make it an ideal material for the aerospace field. In the Chang'e 6 mission, China independently showcased a "stone version" of the five-star red flag made of basalt fiber on the far side of the moon for the first time. This flag can withstand extreme environmental conditions such as high vacuum, high-temperature and low-temperature cycles, and high-dose ultraviolet radiation, demonstrating the outstanding performance of basalt fiber in the aerospace field. This achievement was jointly developed by the China Aerospace Sanjiang Group in collaboration with Wuhan Textile University and other units, overcoming multiple technical challenges over nearly four years.
2. Aviation Field: In the field of aviation engine components, the application of basalt fiber has significantly improved the temperature resistance and mechanical strength of parts while reducing weight, which helps to enhance engine efficiency and thrust. This material also shows great potential in aviation structural materials and can be used to manufacture key structures such as aircraft wings and fuselages. Additionally, the wave-absorbing and magnetic properties of basalt fiber aid in achieving radar stealth, thus partially replacing traditional carbon fiber in the materials for stealth aircraft and missiles.
3. Military Field: Due to its high strength and wear resistance, basalt fiber can be used to manufacture protective equipment such as bulletproof vests and bulletproof jackets. Its high heat resistance and radiation protection also make it widely applicable in military engineering, such as for tank exteriors and radar antenna covers. Because of its high strength and durability, basalt fiber can also be used to manufacture special ropes to meet the specific demands of the military field.
4. Firefighting Field: The fire-resistant, flame-retardant, and insulating properties of basalt fiber make it an ideal material for firefighting products such as firefighting suits, fire extinguishing blankets, and firefighting ropes. Professor Xia Zhigang's team from Wuhan Textile University invented a non-destructive encapsulated spinning technology, successfully combining basalt fiber with flame-retardant fibers to develop a firefighting suit fabric with a temperature resistance up to 1142°C, which is skin-friendly and has an extremely high thermal protection value.
Compared to other traditional fiber materials, what unique performance advantages does basalt fiber have?1. High Strength and High Modulus: Basalt fibers possess extremely high tensile strength and elastic modulus, with tensile strengths typically ranging from 3800 to 4800 MPa, surpassing various high-performance fibers such as large tow carbon fibers, aramids, and PBI fibers.
2. Thermal Resistance: Basalt fibers exhibit excellent heat resistance, with an operating temperature range of -269°C to 700°C, and a melting point as high as 960°C. In high-temperature environments, the strength loss of basalt fibers is minimal, allowing them to maintain high mechanical properties, whereas traditional fibers like carbon fibers can produce gases such as CO and CO2 at higher temperatures, affecting their performance.
3. Electrical Insulation: Basalt fibers have good electrical insulation properties, making them suitable for use as insulating materials in electrical engineering and electronic devices.
4. Cost-Effectiveness Advantage: Basalt fibers not only offer superior performance but also have relatively low costs, providing a clear cost-performance advantage. They can be used in areas where high-performance, high-priced fibers cannot be substituted.
5. Environmental Friendliness: The production process of basalt fibers is eco-friendly, with readily available and environmentally friendly raw materials, which aligns with modern requirements for sustainable development.Translating the given text into English:
Pulling threads from stones to make clothes is not only a technological breakthrough but also a subversion of the traditional application methods of materials. It demonstrates how science can transform natural materials into high-tech products through innovative means, paving new ways for future functional clothing and wearable devices. At the same time, it also provides more possibilities for our protection and enhancement of safety performance under extreme conditions.
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