Question

Basalt is

• A. Manmade fibre
• B. Synthetic fibre
• C. Mineral fibre
• D. Melt Spun fibre

Hint:

• Basalt rock} is a natural volcanic rock.
• Basalt fiber} is a man-made fiber produced by melting basalt rock and extruding it.
• Since it originates from a mineral source, it is classified as a mineral fiber}.
• Other mineral fibers include asbestos (natural), glass fiber, rock wool (manufactured).
• "Melt spun" describes its production process, but "mineral fibre" describes its material origin.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine what type of fiber Basalt is, let’s break down the concept and solution in detail.

What is Basalt?

Basalt is a type of volcanic rock that is naturally occurring and primarily composed of minerals such as iron, magnesium, and silicon. It is used in various applications, including construction materials and high-performance fibers. Basalt fibers are made from basalt rocks and are considered a type of mineral fiber due to their natural origin and mineral composition.

Now, let’s analyze each option and examine how basalt compares to these fiber categories:

1. Manmade Fiber

• Type: Fiber made from synthetic or natural raw materials that are processed into fiber form.
• Why?: Manmade fibers, such as polyester and nylon, are produced through chemical processes, which is not how basalt fibers are made. Basalt fibers are not artificially synthesized but are derived from volcanic rock, making them not a manmade fiber.

2. Synthetic Fiber

• Type: Fibers produced from petrochemicals, using chemical processes.
• Why?: Synthetic fibers are typically made from petrochemical products like nylon or polyester, and basalt is not derived from petrochemicals. Thus, basalt does not fall into the synthetic fiber category.

3. Mineral Fiber

• Type: Fibers made from natural minerals or rocks.
• Why?: Basalt is made by melting basalt rock and spinning the molten material into fibers. This makes basalt fibers a type of mineral fiber, as they are derived directly from natural rock and mineral substances, rather than organic materials or synthetic chemicals.

4. Melt Spun Fiber

• Type: Fibers formed by melting a raw material (like plastic) and extruding it into fiber form.
• Why?: While basalt fibers are made by melting basalt rock, the term "melt spun" specifically refers to the process of creating synthetic fibers from materials like nylon or polyester, which is distinct from the basalt fiber process. Although basalt fibers are technically formed using a melting process, they are not considered "melt spun" fibers in the conventional sense used for synthetic fibers.

Why Basalt is a Mineral Fiber?

Basalt fibers are formed by melting volcanic basalt rock and then extruding it into thin fibers. Since basalt originates from natural minerals, it is classified as a mineral fiber, which is a category distinct from manmade or synthetic fibers.

Final Answer

Basalt is a Mineral Fiber due to its natural origin from volcanic rock.