Basalts of the Republic of Buryatia and their suitability for obtaining mineral fibres

Abstract

Mineral wool is one of the most effective and environmentally safe types of heat insulation materials. Basalt is the main raw material for its production. The quality of the fibre produced depends on its chemical composition. The priority task is to assess the suitability of basalts for use in the production by their chemical composition. The main indicator is the acidity index, which reflects the acid-base characteristics of rocks. Basalt deposits of the Republic of Buryatia have been studied. It was found that the basalts of the Ilyushkin Klyuch deposit have a chemical composition which meets the requirements for continuous fibre production, and the basalts of the Selendum and Mukhor-Talinsky deposits – for staple fibre production. The production of continuous fibres for basalts of the Selendum deposit requires additional charging of calcium-or magnesium-containing rocks, and for basalts of Mukhor-Talinsky deposit-an addition of silicon-containing rocks.