12 best fiberglass raw materials

Fiberglass is a versatile material commonly used in various industrial and scientific applications. It is made from a combination of raw materials, primarily glass and synthetic resins. Here's what you need to know about the raw materials used in fiberglass production:

Glass Fibers: The primary raw material in fiberglass is glass fibers.These fibers are typically made from silica sand, which is heated to high temperatures to produce molten glass. The molten glass is then extruded into thin fibers using a process called drawing. These fibers are very fine and can be made into various forms, including strands, mats, or woven fabrics.
Resins: Fiberglass is reinforced with a synthetic resin matrix to provide strength and shape. Different types of resins can be used, including polyester, epoxy, vinyl ester, and phenolic resins. The choice of resin depends on the specific properties required for the end product.
Fillers and Additives: Various fillers and additives may be included in the resin mixture to enhance specific properties of fiberglass, such as fire resistance, UV resistance, or flexibility. Fillers like calcium carbonate or alumina trihydrate are commonly used.
Catalysts and Hardeners: Catalysts and hardeners are added to the resin to initiate the curing or polymerization process. The specific choice of catalyst and hardener depends on the type of resin being used.
Pigments and Dyes: Depending on the desired color or appearance of the final product, pigments and dyes can be added to the resin to give fiberglass components their distinctive colors.
Mold Release Agents: Mold release agents are used to prevent the fiberglass from sticking to the mold during the manufacturing process. They are applied to the mold surface before the resin and fibers are added.
Solvents: Solvents may be used to dissolve or thin the resin, making it easier to work with during the manufacturing process. They can also be used for cleaning and degreasing.

The manufacturing process typically involves impregnating the glass fibers with the resin mixture, followed by curing or hardening. This can be done through various methods, including hand lay-up, spray-up, or pultrusion, depending on the specific product requirements.

Fiberglass is valued for its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, electrical insulation properties, and versatility. It is used in a wide range of industrial and scientific applications, such as aerospace components, boat hulls, automotive parts, wind turbine blades, water tanks, pipes, and more. Its properties can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each application by adjusting the composition of the raw materials and manufacturing processes used.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best fiberglass raw materials on the market

7 oz. Fiberglass Cloth, 38" Wide, Plane Weave, 5 yd. roll.

CSTsales.com

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

0.7 oz. Fiberglass cloth, 38" wide, Plane Weave, 5 yd. pkg. Easier to work, Widely used light fiberglass fabric, Soft drape Ideal for use in: Most light models, Light finish layer, Reduces print through on molded parts. Sold in 5 yd &10 yd packages and rolled for quality purposes.

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this 7oz or 0.7 oz because the pictures look too thick to be 0.7 oz
Answer:	yes

Premium Select Heavy Weight Fiberglass Cloth, 24 Oz. Woven Roving, 25" x 72" (2 Yards) 12.5 Sq.Ft.

USA

Based on 246 reviews Check latest price

Product description

HEAVY Weight Fiberglass Cloth, 24 Oz. Woven Roving, 25" x 72" (2 Yards) 12.5 Sq.Ft.

HEAVY Weight Fiberglass Cloth. 4 to 6 times HEAVIER than surfboard cloth.
Woven roving is the most economical way to include high strength rovings in a composite laminate
Roving strand bundles are simply woven loosely at 90 deg. orientation like cloth
24 Oz woven roving is approximately 3/32" thick laminated
Comes folded as shown. Any folds can EASILY be straightened while laminating (this is common, this does not harm the material, this is not a defect.)

User questions & answers

Question:	I noticed the cloth has a plastic backing to it. I'm assuming that needs to be peeled off before use
Answer:	yes it is one piece of fabric.
Question:	Does this come as one piece, 25 inches wide by 72 inches long
Answer:	A good quality marine laminating resin is easiest to work with and probably your best choice. We prefer 100% pure Vinylester resin for it's strength but is a bit more challenging. Several layers of this would be required to eliminate the flexing. You may also consider adding beams and laminating over them for stiffness. GOOD LUCK!
Question:	Im restoring a 1979 fiberglass boat and noticed that the hull is quiet flex able amd want to reinforce it for tuff ocean weather. polyester resin
Answer:	You absolutely can! More often than not, Chopped Strand Mat is used in conjunction with woven roving as a binder. It helps to lay mat then roving.
Question:	Can you use this on your transom on your boat
Answer:	It is .07

Nansheng Premium Select Heavy Weight Fiberglass Fabric Cloth Mesh, 39" x 10 Yards, Fiberglass Mat Material Roll Woven Roving for Tub Shower Boat Pool Repair (97.5 Sq.Ft. 24 0z.)

Leejia

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features: heat preservation, heat insulation, high temperature resistance, flame retardant, fireproof, maintenance and reinforcement

Products: glass fiber, plain weave. Smooth appearance, high strength, heat resistance, insulation, rust proof.

Application: it is suitable for ship, electric, electronic, welding machine coil insulation tape, pipe tie on board, cable binding insulation, anti-corrosion, insulation, etc.

Tip: any crease during lamination can be straightened easily (this is normal, this will not damage the material, this is not a defect)

Size: 39 "x 10 Yards

Package Dimensions :
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Nansheng 2.6 Oz. Fiberglass Fabric Cloth Mesh, 50" x 5 Yards, Fiberglass Mat Material Roll Woven Roving for Tub Shower Boat Pool Repair (62.5 Sq.Ft.)

Leejia

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

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Nansheng 8 Oz. Fiberglass Fabric Cloth Mesh,39" x 10 Yards, Fiberglass Mat Material Roll Woven Roving for Tub Shower Boat Pool Repair (97.5 Sq.Ft.)

Leejia

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Product description

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Nansheng 6 Oz. Fiberglass Fabric Cloth Mesh, 50" x 2 Yards, Fiberglass Mat Material Roll Woven Roving for Tub Shower Boat Pool Repair (25 Sq.Ft.)

Leejia

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

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Fiberglass Chopped Strand Mat 1.5 oz x 38" Wide - 9 Feet Long - 3 Yard

Polymer Planet

Based on 36 reviews Check latest price

Product description

It is glass fibers construction which are emulsion bonded together to form a mat. Chopped strand mat is applicable to build up and spot repair of any mould, odd shape parts, automotive parts, boats, kayaks, canoes, roof etc. It can be used alone or with other fibreglass fabrics and woven roving in larger fabrication, laminating reinforcing composite part etc. It is compatible with epoxy and polyester resin system. Application Glass Reinforcement Plastics work Use alone or other fibreglass fabrics Build up odd shape parts and mould, sub box etc. Build up board building and automotive parts Spot repairing of Boats, kayaks, canoes, roof, sub box Repairing fiberglass part Note: All chopped strand mats we sell will be folded into an envelope or carton box etc. to save on freight & faster transport.

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this e-glass
Answer:	Yes, but don't recommend. This mat better with Polyester.
Question:	can this mat be used with epoxy
Answer:	The cloth I received had no plastic backing on it, so if it's there peel it off.

Fiberglass Cloth Tape, 6 oz, 6" Wide by 50 Yards

Fiberglass Warehouse

Based on 29 reviews Check latest price

Product description

6" Fiberglass Cloth Tape is a narrow woven fiberglass cloth. It is ideal for wrapping tubular structures. Also great for reinforcing corners and edges. The tape is made with e-glass. The tape is NOT adhesive backed. Selvage edge for no fraying.

Fiberglass repair
Selvage edge to prevent fraying
Great for winding, seams, corners and repair work
Compatible with epoxy, polyester and vinyl ester resins

User questions & answers

Question:	Is it waterpoof
Answer:	Fiberglass Cloth Tape is a fiberglass fabric woven in narrow widths. The tape will need resin added to it if you need it to be waterproof. Typically, the tape is always used in conjunction with either an epoxy resin, vinyl ester or polyester resin. Epoxy and VE resin are the most waterproof.
Question:	Is it warterpoof
Answer:	I don't quite understand your question. The tape is about 0.010" thick. All rolled out, it would be 50 yards long x 6 inches wide, by 0.010 inches thick. I hope that answers your question.
Question:	What is the thickness of the 6" x 50 Yards Fiberglass tape is it under 2 inches
Answer:	This is just matt. It’s fibers thrown together. It’s used to add thickness. Fiberglass fabric is totally different. Both are usually needed in a job.

Fiberglass Cloth Style 1522 4 oz x 50", 5 Yard roll, Rolled

Fiberglass Warehouse

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Plain weave 5.5mils thick Silane Finish. This lightweight fiberglass cloth is used on applications where a clear laminate is desired. It is often used as a surfacing fabric. It is very popular in the surfboard/ sailboard industry. The fabric is rolled on a tube.

surfboard fabric
smooth plain weave
great finish, less print through
Use with epoxy, polyester or vinyl ester resin
good surfacing cloth

User questions & answers

Question:	can i use this to fix my boat's floor
Answer:	50 inches wide
Question:	How wide in inches this product is
Answer:	Read the description - it says: Fiberglass Cloth Style 1522 4 oz x 50", 5 yard roll,
Question:	What are the dimensions 50x
Answer:	Depends on what resin you add to it. Epoxies and vinyl esters are waterproof. Polyester resin are mostly waterproof.

Fiberglass Cloth, 6 Oz. Woven Roving 50" x 12 ft. / 4 yd. Long for Boat & Pool Repair

Simond Fibertech Limited

Based on 52 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Fiberglass Woven Roving Cloth 6 oz, Plain Weave 50" x 12 ft./4 yd. Long for Boat & Pool Repair

Weight:6 Oz. / Sq. Yard (200 gsm)
Width:50 Inch
Length:12 Feet (4 Yards)

Fiber glass woven roving cloth is made from continues E-Glass Roving’s that are loosely woven into a heavy fabric. They are suited for application in boats, pools, crafts etc. and are compatible with polyester and Epoxy resin systems.

It is a Plain Weave, E-glass Fiberglass Woven Roving Cloth for repair, maintenance & waterproofing applications. It is compatible with epoxy and polyester resin systems.

High Tensile Strength

Fiberglass cloth is one of the strongest textile fibers, having greater specific tensile strength than steel wire of the same diameter, at a lower weight.

Dimensional Stability

Fiberglass cloth has low elongation under load, generally 3% or less. Glass fibers produce fabrics with excellent dimensional stability under various types of conditions.

High Heat Resistance

Fiberglass cloth has excellent heat resistance at relatively low cost.

Fire Resistance

Fiberglass cloth is composed of inorganic materials, and are non-combustible, a natural choice where flammability is of concern.

Good Thermal Conductivity

The rapid heat dissipation of fiberglass cloth is particularly important in electrical insulation applications.

Good Chemical Resistance

Like glass itself, fiberglass cloth is highly resistant to attack by most chemicals.

Outstanding Electrical Properties

Fiberglass fabric withstands high temperature and has low moisture regain. Along with its high dielectric strength and low dielectric constant, glass is of major importance and usefulness in the electronics.

Durability

Being inert, fiberglass cloth is unaffected by sunlight, fungus or bacteria.

User questions & answers

Question:	would this be good to seal over fiberglass honeycomb for a deck for my boat? Using it to seal out water and for added strength
Answer:	Yes, depending on what epoxy you use.
Question:	Will it wet out and turn clear with epoxy
Answer:	Yes, but you will also need two-part epoxy resin to apply. If you floor has soft spots, you will need to replace the subfloor first.

White Glass Microspheres - Filler for Epoxy and Polyester Resin - Quart Tub

Fasco Epoxies

Based on 16 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Micro cellular hollow fiberglass particles for adding to resin as a filler reinforcement for easy to sand lightweight filling. White in color. Sometimes called Glass Bubbles or Glass Microspheres.

Sands Easy Added to epoxy or polyester to make a lightweight fairing compound
Also Called Glass Bubbles
Microspheres Improves the Weight to Strength Ratio Improves Dimensional Stability
When added with our cabosil (equal parts by volume) it makes a great general purpose putty
engineered hollow glass microspheres

User questions & answers

Question:	what is the average size of the spheres? And what ranges of sizes can be expected in any batch
Answer:	Yes, this would work in that application.

Fiberglass Milled Glass Fibers 2 Lbs. Resin Filler Material

Unknown

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Milled Glass fibers are a filler material which is made by pulverizing fiber glass strands. It is used to prepare a structural filler and reinforcement in composite material to increase mechanical strength, dimensional stability. This is compatible with epoxy, polyester and vinyl ester resin.

Specifications