| 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 % SiO 2 , 22-26 weight % Al 2 O 3 , 8-15 weight % MgO and 0.1 to 3.0 weight % Li 2 O. One suitable composition of the present invention includes 64-66.5 weight percent SiO 2 , 23-24.5 weight percent Al 2 O 3 , 9-11 weight percent MgO and 0.3-0.35 weight percent Li 2 O. Another suitable composition includes 66.5 weight percent SiO 2 , 23.4 weight percent Al 2 O 3 , 9.8 weight percent MgO and 0.3 weight percent Li 2 O. Yet another suitable composition is about 66 weight percent SiO 2 , about 23 weight percent Al 2 O 3 , about 10.5 weight percent MgO and about 0.3 weight percent Li 2 O. Fibers formed by the present invention are also disclosed. The fibers have a fiberizing temperature of less than 2650° F., a ΔT of at least 25° F. Further, the glass fibers of the present invention typically have a strength in excess of 700 KPSI, in one embodiment, a strength in excess of about 730 KPSI, and, in yet another embodiment, a strength in excess of about 750 KPSI. The glass fibers will typically have a modulus greater than 12.8 MPSI, in one embodiment, greater than about 13 MPSI, and, in yet another embodiment, greater than about 13.2 MPSI. |