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. 

Manufacture. Vitreous fibers are produced by several processes (24). 

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. 

Review of the U.S. Navy s Exposure Standard for Manufactured Vitreous Fibers (2000)... 

Manila maguey, 11 296 Manmade composites, 11 302 Man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF),... 

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. ... 

Saracci, R., L. Sirconato, E. D. Acheson, A. Anderson, P. A. Bertazzi, N. Char-nay, J. Claude, J. Esteve, Q. R. Fren Zel-Beyme, M. Gardner, O. Jensen, R. Massing, J. Olsen, L. Teppo, C. Zocchehi, and P. Westerholm (1984). The lARC mortality and incidence of cancer from man made mineral (vitreous) fibers in production workers in the thirteen European plants. In Br. J. Ind. Med. 41 22-436. 

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

The possibility of lung problems due to inhalation of fine particles or flakes or fibers of fiberglass has often been raised. The extensive medical research so far reported has shown no consistent evidence of chronic health effects in workers who are exposed to man-made vitreous fibers. In some studies where massive doses of fine-diameter fibers were implanted into mice, cancer development in the pleura was noted. Also some animal studies involving injection of fibers into the trachae resulted in a minimal fibrosis. 

Bellmann B, Muhle H, Kamstrup 0, et al. 1994. Investigation on the durability of man-made vitreous fibers in rat lungs. Environ Health Perspect Suppl 102 185-189. 

Brown DM, Fisher C, Donaldson K. 1998. Free radical activity of s mthetic vitreous fibers Iron chelation inhibits hydroxy radical generation by refractory ceramic fiber. J Toxicol Environ Health 53 545-561. 

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. 

Hesterberg TW, Miller WC, Musselman RP, et al. 1996. Biopersistence of man-made vitreous fibers and crocidolite asbestos in the rat lung following inhalation. Fundam Appl Toxicol 29 267-279. 

Johnson NF, Jaramillo RJ. 1997. p53, Cipl, and Gaddl53 expression following treatment of A549 cells with natural and man-made vitreous fibers. Environ Health Perspect Suppl 105 1143-1145. 

Musselman R, Miiller W, Bastes W, et al. 1994a. Biopersistence of crocidolite versus man-made vitreous fibers in rat lungs after brief exposures. In Mohr U, Dungworth DL, Mauderly JL, et al, ed. Toxic and carcinogenic effects of solid particles in the respiratory tract. Washington,DC ILSI Press, 451-454. 

Musselman RP, Miiller WC, Bastes W, et al. 1994b. Biopersistences of man-made vitreous fibers and crocidolite fibers in rat lungs following short-term exposures. Bnviron Health Perspect Suppl 102 139-143. 

Pelin K, Kivipensas P, Linnainmaa K. 1995b. Effects of asbestos and man-made vitreous fibers on cell division in cultured human mesothelial cells in comparison to rodent cells. Environ Mol Mutagen 25 118-125. 

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).] ... 

---