Synthetic vitreous fibers

The principal classes of high performance fibers are derived from rigid-rod polymers, gel spun fibers, modified carbon fibers, synthetic vitreous fibers, and poly(phenyiene sulfide) fibers. 

Aluminosilicate Fibers. Vitreous alurninosihcate fibers, more commonly known as refractory ceramic fibers (RCF), belong to a class of materials known as synthetic vitreous fibers. Fiber glass and mineral wool are also classified as synthetic vitreous fibers, and together represent 98% of this product group. RCFs were discovered in 1942 (18) but were not used commercially until 1953. Typical chemical and physical properties of these materials are shown in Table 3. 

Hesterberg TW Synthetic vitreous fibers a review of toxicology research and its impact on hazard classification. Crit Rev Toxicol 31 1-53, 2001... 

Hesterberg TW, Chase G, Axten C, et al. 1998a. Biopersistence of synthetic vitreous fibers and amosite asbestos in the rat lung following inhalation. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 151 262-275. 

Rogers RA, Antonino JM, Brismar H, et al. 1999. In situ microscopic analysis of asbestos and synthetic vitreous fibers retained in hamster lungs following inhalation. Environ Health Perspect 107 367-375. 

Synonyms/Trade Names Manmade mineral fibers, Rock wool, Slag wool. Synthetic vitreous fibers [Note Produced by blowing steam or air through molten rock (rock wool) or various furnace slags that are by-products of metal smelting or refining processes (slag wool).] ... 

The potential consequences of inhalation exposure to nanoparticles are only beginning to be nnderstood. The toxicology of metal fumes, radionuclides, nuisance dusts, rat lung overload, the toxicology of sihca, asbestos, synthetic vitreous fibers, and pollution particles can aU be used to gain insight into the behavior of nanoparticles. Currently, there is no model to predict the toxicity or safety of nanoparticles, and little information is available with regard to human exposure and risks related to levels and duration of exposure. 

In this article, the preparation and properties of typical high performance fibers are discussed, then their applications are classified and detailed. The principal classes of high performance fibers are derived from rigid-rod polymers (qv), gel-spun fibers, modified carbon fibers (qv), carbon-nanotube composite fibers, ceramic fibers, and synthetic vitreous fibers. 

Mineralogy Man-made mineral fibers (MMVF, also called synthetic vitreous fibers) are amorphous sili-... 

Johnson NF. An overview of animal models for assessing synthetic vitreous fibers (SVFs) safety. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 1994 20 S7-S21. 

The entire spectrum of inorganic fibers can be divided into two classes, based on differences in the crystallinity of the solids (Ray, 1978). Synthetic fibers have been known as man-made mineral fibers (MMMF) and manmade vitreous fibers (MMVF). But fibrous materials can be approached or divided in other ways. For example, in the Concise Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (1985) the entry for chemical fibers includes both manmade and natural polymers, with the discussion centering on carbon-based compounds such as acetates, acrylics, and cellulose. Fibers of other inorganic compounds were not mentioned in the encyclopedia under this entry, but silica glass fibers were described under the heading Optical Fibers. ... 

Fibrous materials may be naturally occurring or synthetically manufactured by thermal or chemical processes (Fig. 1) (see Fibers, survey). Refractory fibers are generally used in industrial appHcations at temperatures between 1000°C and 2800°C. These fibers may be oxides or nonoxides, vitreous or polycrystalline, and may be produced as whiskers, continuous filaments, or loose wool products. 

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