Textolite - what is it? Properties and characteristics

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Textolites are called varieties of laminated plastics reinforced with fabrics. Thermosetting synthetic resins play the role of a binding element. And it is not so important which textolite is considered. What it is is quite easy to understand even from the description

Some parameters and properties

Depending on the nature of the fibers, textolites are divided into several groups.

1. Bas alt textolites based on bas alt fibers.
2. Carbon textolites from carbon.
3. Asbestos-textolites with asbestos fibers.
4. Glass-textolites made of various types of glass fibers.
5. Organotextolites made of artificial and synthetic fibers.
6. Actually textolites, the fibers here are cotton

There are other varieties. Twill, satin, linen - types of weave that distinguish the threads themselves. The surface density, thickness, number of threads per unit length in the direction of the warp and weft of the fabric, the structure and thickness of the thread or tow can be different. There is a special technology, thanks to which textolite is obtained. We have already found out what it is.

If the interlaminar strength should be especially high, multilayer fabrics are used. Sometimes there are products where the fibers are made from several types of materials.

What else to look out for?

The manufacturing technology, the quantity and properties of the binder, the characteristics of the fabric itself, the nature of the fibers are also important - parameters that determine what qualities the textolite itself will have. As for the production process itself, its basis is the layer-by-layer winding or laying out of fabrics, when a binder is applied to the mandrel according to the shape of the product. Foil textolite is produced in the same way. Next comes shaping. In addition, textolite plates, slabs or sheets must be machined.

Diverse in the composition can be not only fabrics, but also connecting elements that play the role of impregnation for the filler. Thermosetting synthetic resins most often fulfill this role, foil textolite is no exception.

About virtues and other parameters

There are a number of qualities inherent in such material as textolite. What it is is easy to understand from the description of its characteristics.

1. Operating temperature range - from -40 to +105 degrees, if the frequency of the current is about 50 Hz, the relative humidity of the air is maintained.
2. Textolite is a good dielectric, which makes it an indispensable assistant in the electrical and energy industries.
3. Ease of machining.
4. High strength.
5. Light density.
6. Low coefficient of friction.

Additional information

Sheet textolite is used in many areas of life. It can be a structural, anti-friction, friction, electrical insulating, heat-insulating and radio engineering material.

In many ways, this is facilitated by the ability to easily endure mechanical loads, even quite serious ones. So it is especially widely used in the electrical engineering industry. On the basis of textolite, various parts with a structural purpose are made.

Applications and new opportunities

Ornamental textolite is used for the production of rings, plain bearings, bushings. What it is, you can understand even without special dictionaries. You can also see this material in shock absorber panels and pads.

In gearboxes, in distribution mechanisms of various engines, in gearboxes, the presence of bevel and spur gears based on a material such as textolite is often noticeable. The price varies. Textolite bearings act as elements of centrifugal pumps, ball mills, turbines. Textolite can successfully replace getinax as a material for the production of electrical insulating parts. Bases for printed circuit boards made of textolite are made in radio electronics. In addition, in modern tournaments, it is textolite that becomes the basis for the manufacture of weapons - suchapplication rather unexpected.

A little about brands

There is another kind of textolite, which is called asboplastic and isolated separately. It is a fire-resistant and durable material that can withstand temperatures up to +250 degrees. Differs in chemical firmness, anticorrosive and electroinsulating properties. The type of binder and filler largely determines what characteristics this or that product will have. For example, materials made of anthophyllite asbestos give high acid resistance. The method of manufacture and the degree of filling can also have an impact on existing parameters. In each case, everything is determined individually, this should be followed separately.