Composition and properties of fibres for GRC

Exposure of the E-glass fibres to an alkaline environment leads to a rapid deterioration process which involves strength and weight losses, and reduction in the filament diameter [7,8]. This process can be attributed to breaking of the Si-0-Si bonds in the glass network, by the OH— ions which are highly concentrated in the alkaline pore solution  

Tensile strength (MPa) Modulus of elasticity (GPa) Elongation at break (%) 

A different approach was taken by Majumdar [7,8] to develop glass fibres which are resistant to alkali attack. In developing AR glass fibres attention was given to two main aspects  

1 The chemical resistivity of the glass, to enhance its performance in an alkaline medium. 

2 The physical properties of the melt glass, to enable its fabrication in a commercial process. 

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