Fibres, Asbestos and

Synthetic Vitreous Fibres

Fibres
Continuous filaments
Similar to lengths of thread
They can be spun into filaments, string, or rope
Matted into sheets to make products such
as paper or felt
The strongest engineering materials are generally
made as fibers
Types of Fibres
Textile fiber
A unit in which many complicated textile structures are
built up
Natural fibers
Produced by plants, animals, and geological processes
They are biodegradable over time
Synthetic fibers
Come from synthetic materials such as petrochemicals
Synthetic fibers are manufactured from natural cellulose
Fibres
Asbestos
A set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals
Used commercially for their desirable physical
properties
Asbestos became increasingly popular among
manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century
sound absorption, average tensile strength, its resistance
to fire, heat, electrical and chemical damage, and
affordability
Asbestos Application
Electrical insulation for hotplate wiring
Building insulation
Resistance to fire or heat
 the fibers are often mixed with cement
woven into fabric or mats
Types of Asbestos
Serpentine and Amphibole
Differences in their chemical composition
Their degree of potency as a health hazard when
inhaled
Asbestos
Asbestos
Synthetic Vitreous Fibres
Man-made mineral fibers
Used in construction industry as an insulating and fire
protection
Commercially manufactured and marketed for the last
60 years.
Types and Uses of SVF
Synthetic Vitreous Fibres