Fiberglass, invented by Owens Corning in 1938 as home insulation, is now a generic term for materials containing fine glass fibers. It can be used for electronic boards, custom designs, insulation, and bodywork. However, it can be dangerous to work with due to microscopic glass dust and shards. Safety gear is necessary.
Strictly speaking, fiberglass is a registered product of the Owens Corning company, invented in 1938 and marketed as a home insulation product (Fiberglas). While home insulation remains one of its most common applications, the name itself has become a generic term for any material containing fine glass fibers formed into a braided layer or used as reinforcement.
Fiberglass “glass” is the same basic substance used in windows and glassware. Molten glass is extruded through ultra-thin apertures measured in microns, resulting in thread-like formations that can be twisted together to form
a rough cloth or patch. Different resins can then be added to this material, which allows it to be formed and pressed into moulds. The result is a heat resistant and lightweight panel, ideal for electronic boards or support structures for complex machinery.
Fiberglass mixed with resins can also be used to form the shell of racing cars or other custom designs. Repairs can be made with a commercial product called Bondo, which is essentially a fiberglass tape mixed with a fast-curing resin. When this material is used for bodywork, it can be sanded and painted to match the rest of the vehicle. It may not have the inherent tensile strength of steel, but a skilled body repairer can often match the fiberglass and resin repaired section perfectly to the rest of the car.
On a larger scale, fiberglass can be mixed with other materials to form a thick insulating layer. The glass-filled pad is adhesively attached to an aluminized backing paper. The material is then split into standard widths that will fit at right angles between the vertical studs (exposed backing boards) of an unfinished wall. Large quantities of fiberglass are packed into the space between the exterior wall and the interior trim panel. Once all the insulating material has been laid, the plasterboard panels can be mounted to finish the room.
Fiberglass as a building and insulation material is very versatile, but it’s not always easy or safe to use. Because the main ingredient is real glass, microscopic bits of glass dust or shards often form. Those who install it insulating must always wear gloves, safety goggles and masks. Glass shards and dust can remain on the skin even after several washes. These particles can be very irritating to the lungs and hands and extremely harmful to the eyes. A protective hand cream barrier can help prevent the buildup of fiberglass dust.
If you’re working around the compressed form of fiberglass (i.e. electronic boards), compressed air may be the best way to remove stubborn residue. Avoid touching your eyes or other sensitive areas while working with this material in any form. If the dust gets into your eyes, use plenty of clean water or an approved eye wash and visit an eye doctor for an emergency exam.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
