If molten glass is forced through a small hole it can be drawn into very fine fibres. This is commonly known as ‘fibreglass’. Short strands are made into thick mats used for insulation. Many houses have a layer of fibreglass insulation in their roofs and outer walls to keep the heat in during the winter and out during the summer.
Long strands of glass fibre are also used to reinforce (strengthen) materials such as plastic. The glass fibres make glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) a strong and stiff material which is also light and waterproof. GRP can be brightly coloured and is easy to mould into shapes such as ‘hard-hat’ helmets and car bodies.
Glass fibre is ideal for making the body of vehicles because it is strong and light.
Making insulation
To make glass fibre for insulation, the fibres are chopped up and showered onto a moving web. A special binding spray (glue) is added and heated in an oven to stick the fibres together. The mat is then cut up into convenient sizes for roof, wall or floor insulation, for example.
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