Abstract: A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a refractory-lined glass melter, products made there from and batch compositions suited for use in the method are disclosed. The glass composition for use in the method of the present invention is up to about 64-75 weight percent SiO2, 16-24 weight percent Al2O3, 8-12 weight percent MgO and 0.25-3 weight percent R2O, where R2O equals the sum of Li2O and Na2O, has a fiberizing temperature less than about 2650° F., and a ?T of at least 80° F. By using oxide-based refractory-lined furnaces the cost of production of glass fibers is substantially reduced in comparison with the cost of fibers produced using a platinum-lined melting furnace. High strength composite articles including the high strength glass fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from about 70.0 to about 78.2% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from about 18.6 to about 26.2% by weight, MgO in an amount from about 3.1 to about 10.7% by weight, CaO in an amount from 0.0 to about 7.6% by weight, Li2O in an amount from about 0.1 to about 5.0% by weight, and Na2O in an amount from 0.0 to about 0.2% by weight is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the glass composition is free or substantially free of B2O3 and fluorine. The glass fibers have a specific strength between about 1.6×106 J/kg and 2.24×106 J/kg and a specific modulus between about 3.3×107 J/kg and 3.7×107 J/kg. Glass fibers formed from the inventive composition possess exceptionally high specific strength and a low density, which make them particularly suitable in applications that require high strength, high stiffness, and low weight, such as in wind blades and aerospace structures.

Abstract: A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a refractory-lined glass melter, products made there from and batch compositions suited for use in the method are disclosed. The glass composition for use in the method of the present invention is up to about 64-75 weight percent SiO2, 16-24 weight percent Al2O3, 8-12 weight percent MgO and 0.25-3 weight percent R2O, where R2O equals the sum of Li2O and Na2O, has a fiberizing temperature less than about 2650° F., and a ?T of at least 80° F. By using oxide-based refractory-lined furnaces the cost of production of glass fibers is substantially reduced in comparison with the cost of fibers produced using a platinum-lined melting furnace. High strength composite articles including the high strength glass fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a refractory-lined glass melter, products made there from and batch compositions suited for use in the method are disclosed. The glass composition for use in the method of the present invention is up to about 64-75 weight percent SiO2, 16-24 weight percent Al2O3, 8-12 weight percent MgO and 0.25-3 weight percent R2O, where R2O equals the sum of Li2O and Na2O, has a fiberizing temperature less than about 2650° F., and a ?T of at least 80° F. By using oxide-based refractory-lined furnaces the cost of production of glass fibers is substantially reduced in comparison with the cost of fibers produced using a platinum-lined melting furnace. High strength composite articles including the high strength glass fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved glass batch compositions and processes of fiberizing the compositions to form fibers are provided. The batch of the present composition can include: 40-60 wt % SiO2; 15-50 wt % Al2O3; 0-30 wt % MgO; 0-25 wt % CaO; 0-5 wt % Li2O; 0-9 wt % B2O3; and 0-5 wt % Na2O. The fibers formed of the compositions may have a Young's modulus of greater than 82.7 GPa (12 MPSI). The fibers may also have good biosolubility (kdis), of at least 100 ng/cm2/hour.

Abstract: A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a continuous system is provided. The method includes supplying a glass batch to a glass melting furnace lined with a material substantially free of noble metals. The glass batch comprises about 50-about 75 weight percent SiO2, about 15-about 30 weight percent Al2O3, about 5-about 20 weight percent MgO, about 0-about 10 weight percent CaO, about 0.25-about 5 weigh percent R2O. The method further includes melting the glass batch in the furnace and forming a pool of molten glass in contact with the furnace glass contact surface, transporting the molten glass from the furnace to the bushing using a forehearth that is at least partially lined with a material substantially free of noble metal materials, discharging the molten glass from the forehearth into the bushing; and forming the molten glass into continuous fibers.

Abstract: A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a refractory-lined glass meter, products made there from and batch compositions suited for use in the method are disclosed. The glass composition for use in the method of the present invention is up to about 64-75 weight percent SiO2, 16-24 weight percent Al2O3, 8-12 weight percent MgO and 0.25-3 weight percent R2O, where R2O equals the sum of Li2O and Na2O, has a fiberizing temperature less than about 2650° F., and a ?T of at least 80° F. By using oxide-based refractory-lined furnaces the cost of production of glass fibers is substantially reduced in comparison with the cost of fibers produced using a platinum-lined melting furnace. High strength composite articles including the high strength glass fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a refractory-lined glass melter, products made there from and batch compositions suited for use in the method are disclosed. The glass composition for use in the method of the present invention is up to about 64-75 weight percent SiO2, 16-24 weight percent Al2O3, 8-12 weight percent MgO and 0.25-3 weight percent R2O, where R2O equals the sum of Li2O and Na2O, has a fiberizing temperature less than about 2650° F., and a ?T of at least 80° F. By using oxide-based refractory-lined furnaces the cost of production of glass fibers is substantially reduced in comparison with the cost of fibers produced using a platinum-lined melting furnace. High strength composite articles including the high strength glass fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from 30.0 to 40.0% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from 15.0 to 23.0% by weight, B2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to 15.0% by weight, K2O in an amount from 0.0 to 5.0% by weight, La2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to 30.0% by weight, Li2O in an amount from 0.0 to 3.0% by weight, Na2O in an amount from 0.0 to 4.0% by weight, Nb2O5 in an amount from 0.0 to 10.0% by weight, TiO2 in an amount from 0.0 to 7.5% by weight, WO3 in an amount from 0.0 to 10.0% by weight, Y2O3 in an amount from 15.0 to 35.0% by weight, and RO (one or more of MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO) in an amount from 0.0 to 7.5% by weight is provided. Glass fibers formed from the composition have a refractive index between 1.55 and 1.69.

Abstract: Improved glass batch compositions and processes of fiberizing the compositions to form fibers are provided. The batch of the present composition can include: 40-60 wt % SiO2; 15-50 wt % Al2O3; 0-30 wt % MgO; 0-25 wt % CaO; 0-5 wt % Li20; 0-9 wt % B203; and 0-5 wt % Na2O. The fibers formed of the compositions may have a Young's modulus of greater than 82.7 GPa (12 MPSI). The fibers may also have good biosolubility (kdis), of at least 100 ng/cm2/hour.

Abstract: A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a continuous system is provided. The method includes supplying a glass batch to a glass melting furnace lined with a material substantially free of noble metals. The glass batch comprises about 50-about 75 weight percent SiO2, about 15-about 30 weight percent Al2O3, about 5-about 20 weight percent MgO, about 0-about 10 weight percent CaO, about 0.25-about 5 weigh percent R2O. The method further includes melting the glass batch in the furnace and forming a pool of molten glass in contact with the furnace glass contact surface, transporting the molten glass from the furnace to the bushing using a forehearth that is at least partially lined with a material substantially free of noble metal materials, discharging the molten glass from the forehearth into the bushing; and forming the molten glass into continuous fibers.

Abstract: Glass batch compositions for the formation of high-modulus, and high-strength glass fibers as well as fibers suitable for use as textile and reinforcements are disclosed. Fibers formed of the composition are especially suitable for use in high-strength, low-weight applications such as windmill blades and high strength and modulus applications where strength and stiffness are required in the composite. The glass composition is up to about 70.5 weight % SiO2, about 24.5 weight % Al2O3, about 22 weight % alkaline earth oxides and may include small amounts of alkali metal oxides and ZrO2. Additionally, glass fibers formed from the inventive composition are non-corrosive or substantially non-corrosive in nature. Due to the non-corrosive nature of the glass fibers, glass fibers made with the inventive composition may be used in applications where the glass fibers or a composite formed from the glass fibers are in contact with a corrosive substance.

Abstract: Glass batch compositions for the formation of high-modulus, and high-strength glass fibers as well as fibers suitable for use as textile and reinforcements are disclosed. Fibers formed of the composition are especially suitable for use in high-strength, low-weight applications such as windmill blades and high strength and modulus applications where strength and stiffness are required in the composite. The glass composition is up to about 70.5 weight % SiO2, about 24.5 weight % Al2O3, about 22 weight % alkaline earth oxides and may include small amounts of alkali metal oxides and ZrO2. Fiberglass-reinforced composite articles such as windmill blades are also disclosed.

Abstract: A glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from about 70.0 to about 78.2% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from about 18.6 to about 26.2% by weight, MgO in an amount from about 3.1 to about 10.7% by weight, CaO in an amount from 0.0 to about 7.6% by weight, Li2O in an amount from about 0.1 to about 5.0% by weight, and Na2O in an amount from 0.0 to about 0.2% by weight is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the glass composition is free or substantially free of B2O3 and fluorine. The glass fibers have a specific strength between about 1.6×106 J/kg and 2.24×106 J/kg and a specific modulus between about 3.3×107 J/kg and 3.7×107 J/kg. Glass fibers formed from the inventive composition possess exceptionally high specific strength and a low density, which make them particularly suitable in applications that require high strength, high stiffness, and low weight, such as in wind blades and aerospace structures.

Abstract: A glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from 30.0 to 40.0% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from 15.0 to 23.0% by weight, B2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to 15.0% by weight, K2O in an amount from 0.0 to 5.0% by weight, La2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to 30.0% by weight, Li2O in an amount from 0.0 to 3.0% by weight, Na2O in an amount from 0.0 to 4.0% by weight, Nb2O5 in an amount from 0.0 to 10.0% by weight, TiO2 in an amount from 0.0 to 7.5% by weight, WO3 in an amount from 0.0 to 10.0% by weight, Y2O3 in an amount from 15.0 to 35.0% by weight, and RO (one or more of MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO) in an amount from 0.0 to 7.5% by weight is provided. Glass fibers formed from the composition have a refractive index between 1.55 and 1.69.

Abstract: A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a refractory lined glass melter is disclosed. The refractory lined melter is suited to the batch compositions disclosed for the formation high modulus, and high-strength glass fibers. The glass composition for use in the method of the present invention is up to about 70.5 Weight % SiO2, 24.5 weight % Al2O3, 22 weight % alkaline earth oxides and may include small amounts of alkali metal oxides and ZrO2. Oxide based refractories included alumina, chromic oxide, silica, alumina-silica, zircon, zirconia-alumina-silica and combinations thereof. By using oxide based refractory lined furnaces the cost of production of glass fibers is substantially reduced in comparison with the cost of fibers using a platinum lined melting furnace. Fibers formed by the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for the manufacture of high strength glass fibers suitable for manufacture in both precious metal lined furnaces and refractory lined glass melter is disclosed. The glass composition of the present invention includes 62-68 weight % SiO2, 22-26 weight % Al2O3, 8-15 weight % MgO and 0.1 to 3.0 weight % Li2O. One suitable composition of the present invention includes 64-66.5 weight percent SiO2, 23-24.5 weight percent Al2O3, 9-11 weight percent MgO and 0.3-0.35 weight percent Li2O. Another suitable composition includes 66.5 weight percent SiO2, 23.4 weight percent Al2O3, 9.8 weight percent MgO and 0.3 weight percent Li2O. Yet another suitable composition is about 66 weight percent SiO2, about 23 weight percent Al2O3, about 10.5 weight percent MgO and about 0.3 weight percent Li2O. Fibers formed by the present invention are also disclosed. The fibers have a fiberizing temperature of less than 2650° F., a ?T of at least 25° F.

Abstract: A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a refractory lined glass melter is disclosed. The refractory lined melter is suited to the batch compositions disclosed for the formation high modulus, and high-strength glass fibers. The glass composition for use in the method of the present invention is up to about 70.5 Weight % SiO2, 24.5 weight % Al2O3, 22 weight % alkaline earth oxides and may include small amounts of alkali metal oxides and ZrO2. Oxide based refractories included alumina, chromic oxide, silica, alumina-silica, zircon, zirconia-alumina-silica and combinations thereof. By using oxide based refractory lined furnaces the cost of production of glass fibers is substantially reduced in comparison with the cost of fibers using a platinum lined melting furnace. Fibers formed by the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Glass batch compositions for the formation of high-modulus, and high-strength glass fibers as well as fibers suitable for use as textile and reinforcements are disclosed. Fibers formed of the composition are especially suitable for use in high-strength, low-weight applications such as windmill blades and high strength and modulus applications where strength and stiffness are required in the composite. The glass composition is up to about 70.5 weight % SiO2, about 24.5 weight % Al2O3, about 22 weight % alkaline earth oxides and may include small amounts of alkali metal oxides and ZrO2. Fiberglass-reinforced composite articles such as windmill blades are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a refractory lined glass melter is disclosed. The refractory lined melter is suited to the batch compositions disclosed for the formation high modulus, and high-strength glass fibers. The glass composition for use in the method of the present invention is up to about 70.5 Weight % SiO2, 24.5 weight % Al2O3, 22 weight % alkaline earth oxides and may include small amounts of alkali metal oxides and ZrO2. Oxide based refractories included alumina, chromic oxide, silica, alumina-silica, zircon, zirconia-alumina-silica and combinations thereof. By using oxide based refractory lined furnaces the cost of production of glass fibers is substantially reduced in comparison with the cost of fibers using a platinum lined melting furnace. Fibers formed by the present invention are also disclosed.