Asbestoses are modified natural fibres. Long regarded as a wonder material for its good thermal and electrical insulation abilities, it has been recognised as a dangerous substance because of its tendency to cause lung cancer. Read more..
Basalt fibres made from rock solidified from volcanic lava are suggested by some as the alternative to glass. Until recently, they were used solely in the form of basalt ‘wool’ for thermal insulation purposes, however, new technology open for making them into thin wire fibres. Read more..
The use of carbon fibres has only become widespread over the past couple of decades or so, but their growth has been rapid since their inception. The complex series of processes and the inert atmospheres needed for carbon fibre production tend to make them expensive from the environmental standpoint. Read more..
Ceramics are the latest in a series of new materials earmarked for use as fibres. Many of them are oxides, with similar drawbacks as properties and drawbacks as glass, carbon and basalt fibres; usually have a very high melting temperature, which increases the difficulty of manufacture and hence the ecological impact. Read more..
Electroactive polymers is a term used to describe materials that have actuating properties are based mainly on polymers. They can be defined as intelligent textiles since these fabrics or materials respond to a signal (stimulus). Read more..
