Water-containing water glass fibers

摘要

Water-containing water glass fibers are disclosed, substantially free from non-alkaline compounds and having a water content of from about 15 to 30% by weight, a tear strength of from about 5 to 30 cN/tex, a ratio of alkaline oxide to silicon dioxide of from about 1:3 to 1:1.9, an amorphous structure and a density of from about 2 g/cm3 to 2.5 g/cm3. The fibers are preferably cut into lengths of from 1 to 40 mm. They may be used for subsequent production of silica fibers, a technique more advantageous than producing the latter from a melt containing SiO2 or by acid-leaching of glass fibers. The silica fibers are useful for producing wet webs, filter linings and reinforcing material.