Whisker-like Fibres from Chrysotile Asbestos

Abstract

THE majority of the asbestos deposits at present being developed are of chrysotile, which emerges as fine, white fibres when the asbestos rock is separated or “opened” at the mine¹. Amphibole asbestos usually has a harsher, more needle-like cleavage and in some applications where coarse straight fibres are desirable these latter forms are preferred. Chrysotile is more heat resistant than crocidolite (one of the amphiboles) which is its chief rival as a reinforcing agent and is, moreover, appreciably less dense than the other forms, 2.5 g/cc instead of 3.2 g/cc. This is a significant advantage in a reinforcing fibre, because the actual mechanical properties of the principal varieties of asbestos are all rather similar². (Young's modulus approximately 16 × 10³ kg mm⁻²; tensile strength 140–350 kg mm⁻².)