Comprehensive usage of local raw materials instead of imported asbestos fiber

Currently the Republic of Uzbekistan has no natural reserves of asbestos and it is imported fr om abroad. Usage of asbestos, in additional to economical problems, has also environmental problems – increased toxicity of asbestos and unfavourable sanitary-hygienic working conditions.

The most suitable for partial and full substitution of asbestos in cement-fibrous and heat-insulating goods is basalt fiber and laminated material – vermiculite. It was found out that introduction of 20% of basalt fiber instead of asbestos into asbestos-cement would not disturb the technology and creates favourable conditions for solving engineering and environmental problems.

Original value of the results is that the authors create scientific basis for rational usage of basalt fiber and foamed vermiculite by partial or full substitution of imported asbestos feedstock in all branches of industry wh ere it is extremely needful. As a result of this, a number of Republic enterprises will be steadily provided with valuable chemically stable and harmless materials instead of imported, expensive and toxicant asbestos fiber.