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Comparative Analysis of Basalt, Andesite, and Andesibasalts as Raw Materials for Continuous Fiber Production and Promising Deposits

The production of continuous fibers based on basalt, andesite, and andesite basalts is gaining increasing popularity due to the high strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance of these materials. This article examines the technical and technological aspects of using these minerals for fiber production, their operational properties, the chemical durability of the products, and the most promising deposits that can serve as raw material sources for the industry.

  1. Comparative Composition and Properties of Minerals

To compare basalt, andesite, and andesibasalts, it is important to consider their typical chemical composition, which determines key fiber properties such as strength, thermal stability, and resistance to acids and alkalis.

Chemical Composition of Basalt
Basalt is the primary type of igneous rock, and its chemical composition varies within the following ranges:

  • SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide): 45–52%
  • Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide): 12–16%
  • Fe₂O₃/FeO (Iron Oxides): 9–14%
  • MgO (Magnesium Oxide): 5–12%
  • CaO (Calcium Oxide): 6–12%
  • Na₂O + K₂O (Alkali Oxides): 2–5%
  • TiO₂ (Titanium Dioxide): 1–3%

Basalt has a high content of iron and magnesium oxides, which gives the material high strength, thermal resistance, and alkali resistance.

Chemical Composition of Andesite
Andesite, being a more acidic type of volcanic rock, has the following typical composition:

  • SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide): 55–60%
  • Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide): 17–20%
  • Fe₂O₃/FeO (Iron Oxides): 4–6%
  • MgO (Magnesium Oxide): 2–4%
  • CaO (Calcium Oxide): 6–7%
  • Na₂O + K₂O (Alkali Oxides): 3–7%
  • TiO₂ (Titanium Dioxide): 0.5–1%

Andesite has a higher content of silica and aluminum compared to basalt, providing it with high acid resistance but reducing its resistance to alkalis.

  Chemical Composition of Andesibasalt
Andesibasalt is a transitional rock between basalt and andesite, and its chemical composition can vary:

  • SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide): 50–55%
  • Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide): 15–18%
  • Fe₂O₃/FeO (Iron Oxides): 6–10%
  • MgO (Magnesium Oxide): 4–8%
  • CaO (Calcium Oxide): 6–10%
  • Na₂O + K₂O (Alkali Oxides): 2–5%
  • TiO₂ (Titanium Dioxide): 1–2%

The silica content in andesite basalts is higher than in basalt but lower than in andesite, making these rocks moderately resistant to both acids and alkalis. Andesite basalts combine the strength and thermal resistance of basalt with the chemical resistance of andesite, making them attractive for fiber production.

  1. Technological Aspects of Fiber Production

Basalt
The production of basalt fibers has long been established and occurs by melting the rock at temperatures of 1300–1400 °C, followed by fiber formation. This process is relatively simple and cost-effective.

Andesite
Andesite melts at a slightly higher temperature—around 1500 °C—requiring more precise equipment adjustments. Andesite fibers are promising due to their high acid resistance, but their industrial application is still in the development stage.

Andesibasalts
Fiber production from andesibasalts is also possible at melting temperatures around 1400–1500 °C. This direction represents a promising area for research, as such fibers may combine the advantages of both minerals.

  1. Chemical Resistance of Products

Basalt Fibers
Basalt fibers are resistant to alkalis due to their low silica content, making them suitable for use in alkaline environments. However, they are less resistant to acids.

  • Acid Resistance: Moderate, destroyed by strong acids.
  • Alkali Resistance: High.

Andesite Fibers
Due to their high silica content, andesite fibers exhibit high acid resistance but are less resistant to alkali exposure.

  • Acid Resistance: High.
  • Alkali Resistance: Low.

Andesibasalt Fibers
Andesibasalts combine the properties of basalt and andesite, providing them with high acid resistance and moderate alkali resistance.

  • Acid Resistance: Higher than basalt.
  • Alkali Resistance: Lower than basalt but better than andesite.
  1. Operational Properties of Products

Basalt Fibers

  • Thermal Resistance: Up to 1000 °C.
  • Application: Insulating materials, reinforcing composites, fire-resistant products.

Andesite Fibers

  • Thermal Resistance: Up to 800–900 °C.
  • Application: Promising for use in high-acid environments and thermal insulation.

Andesibasalt Fibers

  • Thermal Resistance: Up to 1000 °C.
  • Application: Combined environments with exposure to acids and alkalis, structural materials, composites.
  1. Promising Deposits of Andesibasalts
  • Far East and Siberia, Russia
    In the Far East and Eastern Siberia, including Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands, andesite basalt flows are widespread, making these regions promising for raw material extraction for fiber production.
  • Carpathians, Ukraine
    The Transcarpathian region is known for its deposits of andesites and andesite basalts. Resource development for fiber production based on andesite basalts is possible in this area.
  • Andes Mountain Range, South America
    Deposits of andesite basalts in Chile and Peru have enormous potential for industrial extraction due to rich volcanic zones and developing infrastructure.
  • Central Europe
    Volcanic belts in Germany (Rhenish Massif) and the Czech Republic also contain andesite basalt rocks, making this region an important source of raw materials.
  • North America
    The Cascade Mountains in the USA and Western Canada are rich in volcanic rocks, including andesite basalts, opening up prospects for fiber production.

Conclusion

To produce continuous fibers, basalt remains the primary material due to its availability and good operational properties. Andesite and andesibasalts present promising alternatives, especially in conditions requiring high acid resistance. Andesibasalts could serve as raw materials for fibers that combine the strength of basalt with the chemical resistance of andesite. The andesibasalt deposits in Russia, Ukraine, South and North America, as well as Central Europe, have tremendous potential for development, which could play a key role in the advancement of this industry.

Dr. Victor Bartashov