Everything you need to know about glass mats

Glass mat is a versatile and useful recycled material that is in particular consumer demand. From the material of this article, you will learn what it is, what it is, where it is used and how it differs from fiberglass.

Glass mat - a sheet of chopped fiberglass (evenly distributed fiberglass threads) 5 cm or more long, connected with an adhesive base. It is a white material (suitable for painting), it is compatible with polyester, epoxy, vinyl ester resin. It is multifunctional, eco-friendly, sturdy, lightweight, waterproof, heat-resistant. Glass mat - reinforcing plastic materials. He is able to take any necessary shape, amenable to mechanical processing. Its properties are due to its structure and composition. This material is resistant to decay, fungal infections, mold, its glass in threads is flexible. The rest of the plasticity is provided by the structure of the mat.

The fiberglass mat can be wound onto a reel and air can be squeezed out of it. It is produced in rolls 125 cm wide. The price of the material depends on its density and type, so it ranges from 200 to 900 rubles per running meter. However, it can also depend on weight.

Glass mat differs from fiberglass in structure. Fiberglass is a fabric of interwoven threads, it is obtained by weaving. Glass mat is a fiberglass fabric, the fibers of which are not intertwined, but are connected by a polymer matrix. Sometimes it has a structure of chopped randomly spaced fibers. The structure of continuous fibers of fiberglass is ordered.

The difference between materials lies in the type of application and the number of layers. The glass cloth is modified before use (for example, impregnated with epoxy resin). The fiberglass mat is ready to use. It can consist of several layers, while fiberglass has only 1 layer.

The form of release also differs. Fiberglass is a roll type of material. Fiberglass mats are sold not only in rolls, but also in the form of plates of different thicknesses and densities. Glass mat fibers are thicker and tougher.

The production of fiberglass mats consists of several processes. Glass threads are placed on a conveyor, then the device is turned on, and during the movement a binder polymer is continuously applied to them. After that, the fiber is sent to the drying oven. Then it is rolled. The viscosity of the liquid polymer used during application to the fibers is about 40 mPa * s. The type of polymer is responsible for the integrity of the mat. Therefore, it is more often chosen taking into account the chemical compatibility of the plastic material, whose strength must be increased by glass mat.

The most common binder polymer option is considered polyester resin... It is mixed in liquid form with an accelerator and a catalyst. After they start polymerization.

If the work uses epoxy resin, first prepare the glue in the right proportions. Then the glass mat is bonded to the glue. The mass is mixed well, after which it is laid out in a special form and left to harden for several hours.Until the mat is dry, it must not be touched. Use a stiff brush or roller to remove bubbles. In work it is better to use surgical gloves: they are inexpensive and fit well on the hands.

Glass mats differ in the type of yarns used, which are chopped and staple. The difference between them is due to the structure. Fibers of the second type are softer and more elastic, chopped - harder and tougher. A high-quality fiberglass mat is made from environmentally friendly materials. It is refractory, readily impregnated with resins and effortlessly releases air bubbles during processing. Depending on the adhesive component and density, glass mats are divided into 3 types. Each species has its own characteristics.

Emulsion-type glass mats are made from chopped glass fibers up to 5 cm long, containing alkali. They are combined with an emulsion binder polymer. Density varies in the range of 250-900 g / m2, they are used for manual and closed molding of fiberglass products. Products created with this material are durable, resistant to mechanical damage, chemical and weathering. Emulsion glass mats are easily draped, have a high level of adhesion, ease of use, quick wetting and soaking. Compatible with polyester resins.

Powdered glass fiber mats are made from E type glass fibers (with a low alkali content). During manufacture, they are cut, cut and glued with a powder lubricant. In comparison with the previous analogue, the powdered glass mat has a looser structure and less flexibility. Its density is also less (it varies from 100 to 600 g / m2).

Due to the higher structural rigidity, the powder material is less impregnated and rolled to the base. In working with it, the methods of pressing, vacuum infusion, RMT technology are used. It is suitable for working with large-sized products of simple shapes, smooth and transparent surface types.

This mat is characterized by its multidirectional E (E-CR) fibers. They are arranged in layers, connected with an adhesive polymer. The density of this type of material can vary from 100 to 900 g / m2. It is used in structures where breakdowns due to rust are excluded. Products reinforced with it are durable to mechanical stress.

Glass mat has a wide range of applications. For example, for its structural purpose, it is bought to increase the thickness. And also it is used in the construction of roads, houses and buildings of various types, in shipbuilding and mechanical engineering. It is applicable for the manufacture of car parts, for example, it is used to modernize interior parts, doors and trunks. The scope of use depends on the density of the glass mats. Emulsion and powder types of material with a density of 300, 450, 600, 900 g per 1 sq. m are used in the production of containers, pipes, vehicle parts, as well as other fiberglass products.

Analogues with a low density (100, 150 g per 1 sq. M.) Are used in the production of a matrix, inner layers of fiberglass containers, pipes, parts of the interior decoration of vehicles. Examples of products that use glass mats are boats, ice hockey boards, plumbing fixtures, pipes, covers, baffles. They are used as sound insulation in mufflers and as thermal insulation materials.

With equal thermal conductivity with conventional heaters, they take up 2 times less space. In addition, glass mat is used for podiums, as reinforcement when pouring the floor. They reinforce slopes, reinforce asphalt concrete mixtures, make garbage containers, anti-vandal seats, greenhouse and ground fences, yacht hulls from it. It is not difficult to work with the material.

It is necessary to store glass mats in a sealed form in a dry and cool place.Rolls are packed in plastic wrap, additionally they are packed in cardboard boxes. The boxes are stored vertically or horizontally, depending on the size. It is allowed to put small pallets on large ones.

The room where the glass mats are stored must be well ventilated. You can remove the material from the packaging immediately before use. In this case, liquid should not be allowed to get on the product. When stored in a damp room, the material will lose its usefulness.