Carbon

Carbon fiber is basically the Carbon backbone of Acrylic fibers, have diameters typically smaller than 10 μm and have their black color after the yarns have been oxidized and carbonized in a furnace. After the production, the only thing left is a fiber with high strength and a low elongation. It has very rigid properties and therefore a very high elastic modulus. Carbon fiber is, for instance, used for the production of composites in various industries. Our clients who operate in the automotive and aerospace industry and consumer products often use Carbon for their products like car parts (brake pads), sports goods (skis) and aviation parts (wing). Carbon fiber distinguishes itself form other fibers by virtue of the superior stiffness of Carbon combined with high strength and low density. Also in combination with properties like heat-, chemical- and UV-resistance Carbon is one of a kind. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) materials are better known and classified as advanced composites or high-performance composite materials when compared to for example Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics (GRP).

Basalt

Basalt fiber is produced from a Basalt rock, which is a product of volcanic activity and can be found in a huge amount on the earth. In other words basalt fiber is a green and environmentally friendly product without environmental pollution and could also be recycled.

Basalt fiber (with substrates) has excellent physical and mechanical properties, such as high strength, durability, acid-alkali resistance, excellent electrical properties, high wave permeability, non-conductive, good ductility, corrosion resistance, low density and excellent sound insulation performance. Based on these properties, the Basalt fiber and its composites are mostly used by our clients in the construction, automotive and textile industry. In the construction industry there are examples of using basalt for sound and heat insulation and floor and wall covering. High-quality Basalt roving, fabrics and chopped strands are used in the production of CNG cylinders, brake pads, mufflers and other parts for interior applications in automotive industry. The Basalt fibers are also used in the textile industry when high and low temperature protective clothing is required.

Natural fiber

Natural fibers such as Flax are ecological, recyclable and have a very good thermal and acoustical insulating properties. Flax insulation offers excellent temperature buffering characteristics, resulting in gradual temperature changes for a comfortable indoor living climate. Referring to the thermal and acoustical insulation we see that clients in the automotive industry therefor use Flax for interior trim, floor panels and other applications. Nowadays there is more than thirty Kgs of fibers used in a car for interior and exterior. Flax is also been used in the textile industry where they spinning the Flax in linen yarns or in blends with Wool or Cotton. Also Jute, Kenaf, Sisal and Cotton are natural fibers but less common than Flax at this moment of writing.

Steel

At van der Mast we mean with steel fibers in relation to our solutions specifically Aluminium fiber, stainless steel wire and steel wire. Last mentioned is necessary at the production of steel fiber, this fiber is made of steel fibers obtained by cold drawing of high resistance and high carbon content steel wire. Steel fibers are mainly used in the construction industry. The fibers improve the ductility and mechanical characteristics of high‑performance mortars and concrete. For structural use they need to be compliant with certain EN standards. Steel fibers provide higher energy absorption or impact resistance and increases concrete ductibility. They are specifically engineered for use as shrinkage and temperature (secondary) reinforcement and provide excellent plastic shrinkage control and reduced settlement cracking. Aluminium fiber is non-flammable, high shock resistant, high temperature resistant and has very good strength and flexibility even under the highest temperature stresses. Fiber Reinforced Aluminium (FRA) composite materials offer because of those properties an improved mechanical and wear performance over traditional alloys and composites.