Mineral natural
Fibers of natural mineral origin come from rocks.
Their common characteristics are their heat resistance capacity and their power of thermal insulation. Nevertheless, the very small size of mineral fibers implies a danger for humans (because they are easily inhaled).
Asbestos
- Origin :
Natural mineral fiber, it is found in certain metamorphic rocks. Asbestos has now been prohibited since 1997 in France.
- Gathering :
Once the ores are harvested, they are crushed to extract the fiber.
- Location :
Russia, China, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Canada, Zimbabwe (for the year 2009).
- Fibers :
Very short fibers of 5 µm in length and 0.2 to 3 µm in diameter.
- Features :Heat resistant, voltage resistant, resistant to electrical and chemical aggression, flexible, absorbent, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, electrical insulation, fireproof
- Weaknesses :
Highly toxic.
Wollastonite
- Origin :
Natural mineral fiber, it comes from silicates.
- Gathering :
Once the ores are harvested, they are crushed to extract the fiber.
- Location :
China, India, USA, Mexico.
- Fibers :
Very short fibers from 0.3 to 650 µm in length and 0.1 to 150 µm in diameter.
- Use :
Ceramics, mechanical, construction, automotive, industry, medical, agriculture, water treatment.
- Features :Luminous, low absorption (water), oleophilic (absorbs oils), heat resistant, fireproof, anti-shocks, light
- Weaknesses :
Possible pulmonary risks.
Sépiolite
- Origin :
Natural mineral fiber of the fibrous clays group.
- Gathering :
Once the ores are harvested, they are crushed to extract the fiber.
- Location :
Spain, USA, Turkey, Senegal, India, Tanzania.
- Fibers :
Very short fibers of 0.2 to 0.3 cm in length and 1 to 3 µm in diameter.
- Use :
Industry, building, nautical, aeronautical.
- Features :Hydrophilic, very absorbent (liquids, vapors, odors), light, non-flammable, heat resistant, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation
- Weaknesses :
Contains sepiolite (hazardous substance), little used.
