|
|
Post by canyon on Jan 20, 2012 9:37:57 GMT -8
Does anyone have experience using basalt fibers for reinforcement in mortars etc. in higher temp use(like covering refractory brick)? I've used them in Grancrete before for temps below 200 F but am thinking it would be great in a clay/sand or clay/ash mortar for laying up over the burn tunnels/ash pits etc. Places where I'd want to put straw for tensile strength but won't because of expected temps. Just curious...  |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2012 10:26:38 GMT -8
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2012 11:37:51 GMT -8
The most commonly used refractory reinforcement seems to be stainless steel fibers.
|
|
|
|
Post by matthewwalker on Feb 23, 2012 21:10:52 GMT -8
I'm currently running a "cobposite" feed tube, made with clay, perlite, and chopped fiberglass, with a covering of fiberglass tape in clay plaster. I'm early in the testing process of this, but it was really easy to work with, and super inspiring.
|
|
|
|
Post by canyon on Feb 24, 2012 9:44:50 GMT -8
Have you checked into the basalt fibers instead of fiberglass? I think they can handle the higher temps much better but of course not free or easy to come by like fiberglass. I am very curious about your results with your cobposite, please do share! |
|
|
|
Post by matthewwalker on Feb 24, 2012 10:40:10 GMT -8
I found an interesting excerpt in a ceramics book regarding adding fiberglass to clay. It gave temps and strength and I'm under the impression that for most of the rocket mass heater, regular glass will be fine. They even talk about it melting at 1200*C or so and when it cools continuing to improve the strength of the composite. I used it because I just had some around, I have some carbon fiber as well, which doesn't even start to get weak until like 3500*C or something! Basalt is interesting, I've worked with it before and know where to put my hands on some locally, but I don't think it's necessary.
Working with the clay with short chopped glass in it was like molding with plastic or something. It had a great consistency, and was really sticky and easy to work. I would say it's an interesting way to make a highly insulated firebox, which I think is important. Clay, perlite, chopped glass. I'll keep you posted on how it holds up, so far, I've been banging away at it and it's rock solid.
|
|
